Deborah Kado is a geriatrician who believes her field is misunderstood. Her interest in the science of aging began with a childhood encounter in a nursing home but recently resulted in intriguing work in which Kado linked microbes in the gut to vitamin D metabolism and poor sleep. Kado refuses to blame aging alone for health problems, advocating for better care regardless of age. It’s never too late to strive for better health, Kado tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Deborah Kado

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• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Deborah Kado, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Stanford University.

(00:03:22) Origin Story in Geriatrics

How a childhood encounter led to Deborah’s career in geriatrics.

(00:06:04) Geriatrics vs. Gerontology

The clinical and research distinctions between the two related fields.

(00:06:58) Rethinking Aging

Reframing aging as a lifelong process rather than decline and loss.

(00:08:34) Patient Care Approach

Why symptoms should be investigated, not dismissed as inevitable aging.

(00:11:33) Linking Bone Health, Gut, and Brain

The surprising relationship between microbiomes, bones, and cognition.

(00:14:34) Vitamin D: Storage vs. Active Form

Why only the active form of vitamin D correlates with microbiome health.

(00:17:22) Gut Health and Sleep

How better sleep quality is linked to healthier microbiomes.

(00:21:20) Medical Education & Geriatric Training

The shortage of geriatrics training in U.S. medical schools.

(00:23:08) Measuring Geriatric Knowledge

The challenges and efforts to measure student knowledge about aging.

(00:27:24) Takeaways for Medical Professionals

Two anecdotes where symptoms were misattributed to old age.

(00:30:51) Empowering Aging Patients

Advice to aging individuals: agency, purpose, and not settling for less care.

(00:34:02) Conclusion

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Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

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Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

It's teacher appreciation week and along with schools across the country, we here at The Future of Everything want to send out a heartfelt thank you to the teachers who make a difference every day in the lives of our children and in society as a whole. In light of this, we’re re-running an education related episode, and more specifically one on the future of educational technology with the Dean of the Stanford School of Education, Dan Schwartz. Dan is exploring effective ways to use AI in the classroom to support teachers–not to replace them–and to enhance student learning. We hope you’ll take a moment to tune in again and enjoy.

Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Daniel Schwartz

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Dan Schwartz, Dean of the School of Education at Stanford University.

(00:01:44) The Role of AI in Modern Education

The widespread reactions and implications of AI in education.

(00:02:59) Technology in the Classroom

The historical and evolving relationship between technology and education.

(00:04:51) Engaging Students with AI

How AI can enhance engagement through innovative teaching.

(00:07:45) Impact of AI on Student Learning

The balance between AI tools and maintaining educational standards.

(00:13:21) Challenges with EdTech Collaboration

Concerns about industry prioritizing speed over creativity in learning tools.

(00:15:23) Teachers Adapting to AI

The role of teachers in effectively integrating AI into the classroom.

(00:18:21) Assessment and Grading with AI

The potential and concerns of using AI for educational assessment

(00:22:16) AI and Conceptual Understanding

How AI can shift focus from task completion to true understanding.

(00:24:49) Physical Activity and Learning

The connection between physical activity and improved learning outcomes.

(00:28:59) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook