Episódios

  • The future of inequality

    The future of inequality
    Aug 22 2025
    Sociologist David Grusky argues that all the usual debilitating debates about inequality can be sidestepped if we focus on the worst forms – those rooted in cronyism, racism, and nepotism – that everyone can agree are nothing more than a pernicious transfer of income or wealth from the powerless to the powerful. To fight this “worst form” of inequality, Grusky shows how powerful interventions can be identified with new quasi-experimental methods, including those that use naturally occurring or AI-generated doppelgangers instead of very expensive randomized controlled trials. “We’re leaving a lot of talent on the table. And the cost is profound,” Grusky tells host Russ Altman about the price of inequality 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: David GruskyConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest David Grusky, a professor of sociology at Stanford University.(00:02:57) Studying InequalityDavid explains his motivation for studying inequality.(00:03:44) What Is Good Inequality?How productive contributions create justifiable inequalities in income.(00:04:48) Example of Bad InequalityWhen legitimate productivity becomes mixed with exploitation(00:07:22) Widespread Nature of Bad InequalityDifferent groups within society who benefit from bad inequality.(00:10:58) The Birth Lottery ProblemHow the circumstances of birth create hidden advantages.(00:13:15) Status & Social Class InequalityWhether prestige and non-financial rewards intersect with inequality.(00:14:52) Good Jobs vs. Bad JobsWhat constitutes a good job in an era of rapid technological change.(00:16:20) The Limits of Progressive TaxationWhy progressive taxation fails to distinguish between inequalities.(00:21:01) Predistribution SolutionsPreventing bad inequality before it occurs with institutional reform.(00:24:31) Reform ChallengesHow entrenched interests and weak evaluation block reform progress.(00:25:54) Inequality Research ToolsQuasi-experimental methods that evaluate inequality interventions.(00:28:39) AI Clones for Policy TestingUsing large language models to simulate individuals and test policy ideas.(00:33:55) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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    35 minutos
  • The future of cancer neuroscience

    The future of cancer neuroscience
    Aug 15 2025

    Neurologist Michelle Monje studies the close relationship between cancer and the nervous system, particularly in an aggressive brain cancer that often strikes in childhood. Her research shows that the cancer cells are electrically integrated into the brain itself and these connections actually help the cancer to grow. Monje and collaborators have now developed an immunotherapy that has shown great promise in mice and early human trials. One patient had a “complete response” and is cancer-free four years after treatment, Monje 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: Michelle Monje

    Connect With Us:

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

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Russ Altman introduces guest Michelle Monje, a professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford University.

    (00:03:39) Focus on Cancer Research

    Monje’s clinical observations led to exploring cancer-neuron interactions.

    (00:05:28) Neurons and Glial Cells

    The role of neurons and glial cells in brain function and disease.

    (00:08:32) Gliomas in Children

    An overview of gliomas and their origins in glial precursor cells.

    (00:10:12) Rethinking Brain Cancer Behavior

    How gliomas don’t just grow—they integrate with brain circuits.

    (00:14:49) Mechanisms of Tumor Growth

    Two primary mechanisms by which cancer exploits the nervous system.

    (00:16:32) Synaptic Integration of Cancer Cells

    The discovery that glioma cells form synapses with neurons.

    (00:20:06) CAR T-Cell Therapy

    Adapting CAR T-cell immunotherapy to target brain tumors.

    (00:22:52) Targeting GD2 Antigen

    Identification of a surface marker enables precision CAR T-cell therapy.

    (00:24:35) Immune Access to the Brain

    The ability of CAR T-cells to reach the brain, despite prior understanding.

    (00:26:16) First Clinical Trial Results

    The significant tumor reduction and response from CAR T-cell therapy.

    (00:28:21) Combined Therapies

    Pairing immune therapy with neural signaling blockers for better outcomes.

    (00:30:35) Conclusion

    Connect With Us:

    Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

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    31 minutos
  • Best of: The future of coastal erosion

    Best of: The future of coastal erosion
    Aug 8 2025
    It’s summertime, and for many of us that means a recreational trip to the beach or coast. Worldwide, billions of people live year-round near a coastline, and these settings can be responsible for everything from buffering storms and preventing sea-level rise to fishing, flourishing tourism, and trade. For all these reasons, the acceleration of coastal erosion is an important topic to understand. A couple years ago, we sat down with Jane Willenbring, a geoscientist who says that by studying what coastlines looked like long ago, we can better understand where they are headed and how to protect them. No matter where you live, we hope you’ll tune in to better understand the forces behind coastal erosion.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: Jane Kathryn WillenbringConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Jane Willenbring, a professor of Earth systems at Stanford University.(00:01:30) What Causes Coastal ErosionThe natural processes that build up or break down coastal regions.(00:02:58) When Coastlines GrowWhere and how coastal buildup can still occur, especially near rivers.(00:04:11) Measuring Coastal ErosionThe technological and geological measurements used to track change.(00:06:12) Dating Coastal RockUsing cosmic radiation to help measure long-term erosion rates.(00:07:48) Archaeology & Shifting SettlementsHow ancient coastal settlements reflect environmental change.(00:09:03) Tectonics vs. ErosionDifferentiating between sea level rise and tectonic land uplift.(00:10:09) Infrastructure at RiskThe dangers of coastal erosion to critical infrastructure.(00:12:12) Science Meets PolicyWhy long-term erosion timelines complicate policymaking.(00:14:11) Real-World ResponsesExamples of successes and failures due to policy inaction.(00:15:14) Disadvantages of Building BridgesThe unintended effects of building bridges and barriers.(00:16:11) “Unzipping” LandscapesHow rivers and streams carve landscapes from the inside out.(00:17:47) Sea Level Rise & Coastal ChangesThe mechanics of sea level rise and how it increases erosion.(00:19:25) Beaches as Natural DefensesWhy wide beaches are crucial to the protection of coastlines.(00:20:42) Cliff Collapse & BeachesWhat happens when sand is lost due to erosion or human intervention.(00:22:11) The Social Impacts of Coastal ErosionThe effects of coastal erosion on different socioeconomic classes(00:24:11) Public Health Risks of Coastal ErosionThe different health and infrastructure risks posed by unmanaged erosion.(00:26:05) Vegetation, Kelp, & Green SolutionsThe potential for vegetation and kelp to help soften coastal impact.(0028:43) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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    30 minutos
  • The future of plant chemistry

    The future of plant chemistry
    Aug 1 2025
    Chemical engineer Beth Sattely studies the intricate chemistry of plant life. Plants are more than food, she says: They are living chemical factories churning out molecules that help plants do everything from adapting to climate change to fighting infections – or even producing valuable new cancer drugs. Lately, Sattely’s lab is working on ways to make crops more resilient to engineer more sustainable foods and environments. Some of our most exciting technologies already exist in nature, we just have to find them, Sattely 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: Elizabeth SattelyConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Beth Sattely, a professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:10) Path to Plant MetabolismHow chemistry and gardening led to a career in plant science.(00:03:54) Environmental and Human HealthUsing plants to improve both the planet and people’s well-being.(00:04:53) Engineering Climate-Resilient CropsMaking crops more sustainable and nutritious amid global change.(00:05:58) Old vs. New Crop EngineeringComparing traditional breeding with modern molecular tools.(00:08:04) Industry and Long-Term Food SecurityThe gap between short-term market goals and long-term environmental needs.(00:09:13) Tomato ChemistryTomatoes reveal how plants produce protective molecules under stress.(00:12:26) Plant “Vaccines” and Immune SignalingHow plants communicate threats internally and mount chemical defenses.(00:14:14) Citrus Greening and LimonoidsThe potential role of limonoid research on citrus greening.(00:16:59) Plants Making MedicineHow plants like Yew trees naturally produce cancer drugs like Taxol.(00:21:19) Diet as Preventative MedicineIdentifying plant molecules to understand their preventative health effects. (00:24:36) Food Allergies and Plant ChemistryWhy the immune system tolerates some foods and rejects others.(00:26:42) Understanding Tolerance in ImmunityPossibility of reintroducing tolerance through partial molecular exposure.(00:28:02) Engineering Healthier PlantsPotential for designing plants to enhance micronutrient content.(00:29:04) Training the Next GenerationBeth celebrates her students’ role in shaping a sustainable future.(00:30:39) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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    31 minutos
  • The future of parent-child bonding

    The future of parent-child bonding
    Jul 25 2025
    Biologist Lauren O’Connell studies poisonous frogs, but not just the toxins that make them dangerous. She also studies the neuroscience of their complex parenting. She’s learned that tadpoles recognize their mothers by smell and do a “begging dance” when hungry, and that the frogs produce a protein that protects them from their own poisonous chemistry. That protein could help treat overdoses in humans, O’Connell 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: Lauren O'ConnellConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Lauren O’Connell, a professor of biology at Stanford.(00:03:34) Why Poison Frogs?Lauren shares what led her to focus her research on poison frogs(00:05:16) Parenting Styles in FrogsThe diverse parental strategies across frog species.(00:08:36) The Role of Opioids in ParentingThe signalling factors in the frog brain that regulate bonding,(00:10:05) Hormones & Gender RolesThe influence of testosterone and estrogen on caregiving behaviors.(00:11:34) Implications for Human ResearchHow studying frogs reveals basic neural blueprints of parenting.(00:13:23) Tadpole’s CommunicationThe neural circuits behind tadpole communication and behavior.(00:15:10) Autism Gene Experiments in TadpolesHow genetic changes can alter tadpole social communication(00:17:47) Transparency & Tadpole BiologyObserving tadpole behavior and neural activity via their transparency.(00:20:59) Tracking Frogs in the WildResearch on how frogs navigate back to their tadpoles(00:24:31) Male vs. Female NavigationTestosterone’s influence on the ability to navigate more efficiently.(00:25:38) Toxin Tolerance MechanismsA toxin-binding protein that allows frogs to avoid self-poisoning.(00:29:01) Origin of the ToxinsThe origin and mechanisms of the toxins found in frogs.(00:31:15) The Value of Basic ScienceHow studying fundamental science can lead to unexpected applications.(00:33:10) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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    34 minutos
  • Best of: How the grid is becoming more human-centric

    Best of: How the grid is becoming more human-centric
    Jul 18 2025
    We’re in the midst of summer and we know that power outages can happen more frequently during this season due to higher temperatures and an increased demand for electricity. A couple years ago we sat down with Ram Rajagopal, an expert in the future of electrical power. He shared a few ways our existing system of massive power plants is slowly but surely giving way to a much leaner, decentralized system of small-scale power generation. Ram refers to this as a move from an “infrastructure-centric” model to a “human-centric” grid — one that will be much smarter, more inclusive and better able to adapt to the needs of individual users. It’s a topic that impacts all of us and we hope you’ll tune in again for a refresher on how the electric grid works and how it’s evolving.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: Ram RajagopalConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Ram Rajagopal, a professor of engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:47) What is Powernet?Outline of Powernet—a decentralized, user-focused power grid vision.(00:05:34) Behind-the-Meter IntelligenceAiming to align supply and demand by understanding consumer needs.(00:07:58) Smart Dimmers & Data PrivacyBalancing energy efficiency with privacy concerns in home automation.(00:10:05) Aggregators & Local ControlFuture energy sharing may rely on local devices and trusted middlemen.(00:11:50) Human Motivation & Energy BehaviorWhy both ethics and cost will drive user participation in energy decisions.(00:14:02) Teaching Energy AwarenessA program teaching middle-schoolers to analyze home energy use.(00:16:17) Automating Energy UseBehavioral and systems changes to help align wellness with grid needs.(00:18:58) Grid Shift: Renewables & StorageHow evolving the grid demands real-time monitoring and local resilience.(00:19:57) Sensors & Operational SafetyThe sensing technology that ensures transformers and lines stay within limits.(00:21:27) Smart Dairy: Cooling Cows with AIHow smart fans and storage reduced a dairy farm’s energy output.(00:23:28) Building Trust with FarmersThe collaborative process behind deploying the grid tech at the farm.(00:25:01) Smart Ventilation at ScaleScaling the ventilation tech tested on farms to improve public health spaces.(00:26:06) Equity in the Human-Centered GridHow price signals risk overburdening the most vulnerable communities.(00:28:22) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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    29 minutos
  • The future of AI and the law

    The future of AI and the law
    Jul 11 2025

    Law professor Daniel Ho says that the law is ripe for AI innovation, but a lot is at stake. Naive application of AI can lead to rampant hallucinations in over 80 percent of legal queries, so much research remains to be done in the field. Ho tells how California counties recently used AI to find and redact racist property covenants from their laws—a task predicted to take years, reduced to days. AI can be quite good at removing “regulatory sludge,” Ho tells host Russ Altman in teasing the expanding promise of AI in the law in 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: Daniel Ho

    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

    Russ Altman introduces Dan Ho, a professor of law and computer science at Stanford University.

    (00:03:36) Journey into Law and AI

    Dan shares his early interest in institutions and social reform.

    (00:04:52) Misconceptions About Law

    Common misunderstandings about the focus of legal work.

    (00:06:44) Using LLMs for Legal Advice

    The current capabilities and limits of LLMs in legal settings.

    (00:09:09) Identifying Legislation with AI

    Building a model to identify and redact racial covenants in deeds.

    (00:13:09) OCR and Multimodal Models

    Improving outdated OCR systems using multimodal AI.

    (00:14:08) STARA: AI for Statute Search

    A tool to scan laws for outdated or excessive requirements.

    (00:16:18) AI and Redundant Reports

    Using STARA to find obsolete legislatively mandated reports

    (00:20:10) Verifying AI Accuracy

    Comparing STARA results with federal data to ensure reliability.

    (00:22:10) Outdated or Wasteful Regulations

    Examples of bureaucratic redundancies that hinder legal process.

    (00:23:38) Consolidating Reports with AI

    How different bureaucrats deal with outdated legislative reports.

    (00:26:14) Open vs. Closed AI Models

    The risks, benefits, and transparency in legal AI tools.

    (00:32:14) Replacing Lawyers with Legal Chatbot

    Why general-purpose legal chatbots aren't ready to replace lawyers.

    (00:34:58) 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
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    36 minutos
  • The future of hoarding disorder

    The future of hoarding disorder
    Jul 4 2025
    Psychiatrist Carolyn Rodriguez studies hoarding disorder and says that all of us have attachments to our possessions. But for many, these attachments can disrupt daily life and even pose health risks. For those with loved ones who struggle with hoarding disorder, she says treatments exist, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Lately, she’s been studying how virtual reality can augment CBT through virtual discarding practice and ways brain stimulation may improve symptoms. But, Rodriguez says, never underestimate the value of empathy for those in need of help, as she 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: Carolyn RodriguezConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Carolyn Rodriguez, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Stanford University.(00:02:47) Motivation to Study Hoarding DisorderWhy Carolyn chose to focus her research on hoarding disorder.(00:03:44) Collecting Versus HoardingDistinguishing between normal behavior and clinically significant hoarding.(00:05:47) Prevalence of Hoarding DisorderThe universality and pervasiveness of hoarding disorder.(00:07:11) The Brain Science Behind HoardingEarly neuroscience findings on attachment and discarding behavior.(00:08:47) Dopamine and Excessive AcquisitionThe connection between hoarding and potential dopamine reward pathways.(00:09:55) Risk Factors and Cognitive ChallengesPersonality traits, genetics, and processing difficulties involved in hoarding.(00:11:14) Gender Differences and Insight IssuesGender prevalence in treatment-seeking and the concept of anosognosia.(00:12:35) The “Why” Behind HoardingHow motivations and emotional attachments influence behavior.(00:13:50) Onset and Progression of DisorderTypical onset age, aging effects, and early warning signs.(00:15:05) Historical References to HoardingAccounts from ancient literature of hoarding-like behavior(00:17:16) Attachment to ObjectsThe emotional, aesthetic, and identity-based reasons people retain objects.(00:20:45) Current Treatment OptionsThe treatment landscape, including lack of medications and focus on CBT.(00:22:30) Chronic Nature of Hoarding DisorderFraming hoarding as a long-term condition with hopeful outcomes.(00:23:08) Virtual Reality for TreatmentA study on using VR to safely practice letting go of personal items.(00:25:58) Neuromodulation ResearchUsing non-invasive brain stimulation to reduce acquisition urges.(00:27:00) Advice for Individuals and FamiliesThe importance of empathy and self-care for individuals and caregivers.(00:28:47) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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    30 minutos