Episódios

  • The future of topical vaccines

    The future of topical vaccines
    Oct 17 2025
    Bioengineer Michael Fischbach studies alternative vaccine delivery methods, like self-administered creams with no needles, health professionals, or side effects. He teases a day when vaccines that don’t make you feel bad come in the mail in ketchup-style packets. Such innovations would greatly improve vaccine uptake, especially in developing countries, and speed global response to novel viruses. It would change how we think about vaccines, Fischbach 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: Michael FischbachConnect 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 Michael Fischbach, a professor of bioengineering at Stanford University.(00:04:24) Cream-Based VaccinesThe discovery that revealed the skin’s ability to spark systemic immunity.(00:07:36) Engineering ImmunityModifying staph epidermidis to carry antigens and test immune response.(00:09:38) Tumor RegressionHow engineered bacteria triggered tumor-killing immunity in mice.(00:12:53) Antibody DiscoveryEvidence that skin exposure can generate long-lasting antibodies.(00:17:02) Antibody Response in HumansWhether humans show antibody responses to their own skin bacteria.(00:18:42) Turning Bacteria into VaccinesEmbedding harmless pathogen fragments into bacterial surface proteins.(00:20:55) Immunity Without ShotsHow mice achieved vaccine-level immunity through topical application.(00:24:00) Reimagining Vaccine DeliveryThe potential for self-applied, needle-free, and multiplexed vaccines.(00:26:50) Mechanism Behind Skin ImmunityHow skin immune cells may constantly sample microbes for defence.(00:28:14) Next Steps in DevelopmentThe path toward testing safety, dosage, and delivery in higher models.(00:29:57) Choosing Vaccine TargetsViruses and diseases that could be targets for early skin-based vaccines.(00:31:11) Safety and ReversibilityEnsuring safety with reversible bacteria and limited trial participants.(00:33:04) Transitioning to BiotechTransitioning research from Stanford to large-scale biotech development.(00:34:31) Future In a MinuteRapidfire Q&A: creative science, vaccine innovation, and biology’s future.(00:36:56) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    38 minutos
  • Best of: The future of extreme climate events

    Best of: The future of extreme climate events
    Oct 10 2025

    As fall arrives, many regions experience dramatic weather shifts—think early frosts, storms, or unusual temperature swings. Last year, we sat down with Noah Diffenbaugh, an expert on climate change. We discussed the fact that extreme weather is becoming more frequent. Noah pointed out that there are still things we can do to mitigate the impacts of severe weather. We hope you’ll take another listen to this episode to learn about the solutions that are within reach.

    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: Noah Diffenbaugh

    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 guest Noah Diffenbaugh, a professor of Earth System Science at Stanford University.

    (00:02:07) Global Impact of Climate Change

    The areas where climate change is having the greatest impact globally.

    (00:03:00) Climate Phenomena and Humans

    Connecting climate science with localized human impacts.

    (00:05:49) Understanding Climate Forcing

    The concept of "climate forcing" and its significance in Noah’s research.

    (00:09:34) Geoengineering & Pinatubo Cooling

    The risks associated with reflecting sunlight to cool the planet.

    (00:13:23) Climate Interventions

    Why manipulating the climate could have unforeseen outcomes.

    (00:20:51) Adaptation to Climate Change

    Humanity’s response to climate change as impacts accelerate.

    (00:24:53) Increase in Extreme Events

    Why extreme climate events are more frequent and severe.

    (00:28:08) AI in Climate Research

    How AI enables testable, data-driven climate predictions.

    (00:32:02) 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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    33 minutos
  • The future of the built environment

    The future of the built environment
    Oct 3 2025
    Rishee Jain is an engineer and an expert in the built environment – the manmade structures of modern life. The future, Jain says, will be a place where everyone has a safe, comfortable place to live and work, and the built environment adapts in real time to our needs. Jain is now exploring cool roofs that reflect heat to lower indoor temperatures and improve occupants’ well-being. We once believed that humans bent infrastructure to our needs, but now we understand how infrastructure changes us, too, Jain tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’sThe 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: Rishee JainConnect 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 Rishee Jain, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:50) Focus on Built Urban EnvironmentsRishee Jain shares how early hands-on projects inspired his career.(00:04:51) The Social DimensionWhy infrastructure must account for human behavior and social needs.(00:07:03) How Infrastructure Shapes UsExamples of sidewalks, bike lanes, and design choices influencing wellbeing.(00:09:11) Defining Urban FormDefining urban form as design across buildings, neighborhoods, and cities.(00:10:58) Decision-Makers at Every LevelHow policymakers, communities, and building owners shape design.(00:13:38) Dynamic InfrastructureThe shift from static infrastructure to adaptable, responsive systems.(00:15:19) Levers of ChangeUsing thermal and lighting design as key factors for wellbeing.(00:19:36) Climate & Extreme HeatThe impact of extreme heat on building design and vulnerable communities.(00:23:25) Measuring ImpactStudies using wearables to track the benefits of infrastructure interventions.(00:24:25) Community FeedbackThe optimistic research results on infrastructure interventions.(00:26:18) Retrofitting Old BuildingsChallenges in adapting existing infrastructure with minimal disruption.(00:31:12) Future in a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: hope, infrastructure, research needs, and lessons from history.(00:33:01) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    34 minutos
  • The future of the innovation economy

    The future of the innovation economy
    Sep 26 2025
    In a special Future of Everything podcast episode recorded live before a studio audience in New York, host Russ Altman talks to three authorities on the innovation economy. His guests – Fei-Fei Li, professor of computer science and co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI); Susan Athey, professor and authority on the economics of technology; and Neale Mahoney, Trione Director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research – bring their distinct-but-complementary perspectives to a discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping our economy.Athey emphasizes that both AI broadly and AI-based coding tools specifically are general-purpose technologies, like electricity or the personal computer, whose impact may be felt quickly in certain sectors but much more slowly in aggregate. She tells how solving one bottleneck to implementation often reveals others – whether in digitization, adoption costs, or the need to restructure work and organizations. Mahoney draws on economic history to say we are in a “veil of ignorance” moment with regard to societal impacts. We cannot know whose jobs will be disrupted, he says, but we can invest in safety nets now to ease the transition. Li cautions against assuming AI will replace people. Instead, she speaks of AI as a “horizontal technology” that could supercharge human creativity – but only if it is properly rooted in science, not science fiction.Collectively, the panel calls on policymakers, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to steer AI toward what they call “human-centered goals” – protecting workers, growing opportunities, and supercharging education and medicine – to deliver broad and shared prosperity. It’s the future of the innovation economy 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: Fei-Fei LiStanford Profile: Susan AtheyStanford Profile: Neale MahoneyConnect 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 live guests Fei-Fei Li, Susan Athey, and Neale Mahoney, professors from Stanford University.(00:02:37) Lessons from Past TechnologyComparing AI with past technologies and the bottlenecks to their adoption.(00:06:29) Jobs & Safety NetsThe uncertainty of AI’s labor impact and investing in social protections.(00:08:29) Augmentation vs. ReplacementUsing AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human work and creativity.(00:11:41) Human-Centered AI & PolicyShaping AI through universities, government, and global collaboration.(00:15:58) Education RevolutionThe potential for AI to revolutionize education by focusing on human capital.(00:18:58) Balancing Regulation & InnovationBalancing pragmatic, evidence-based AI policy with entrepreneurship.(00:22:22) Competition & Market PowerThe risks of monopolies and the role of open models in fair pricing.(00:25:22) America’s Economic FunkHow social media and innovation are shaping America’s declining optimism.(00:27:05) Future in a MinuteThe panel shares what gives them hope and what they’d study today.(00:30:49) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    32 minutos
  • Best of: The future of ultrafast electronics

    Best of: The future of ultrafast electronics
    Sep 19 2025

    About a year ago we released an episode on the future of ultrafast electronics and it quickly became one of our most popular episodes on YouTube. We’re excited to re-share it with you today. Physicist Matthias Kling walks us through his study of photons and the things science can do with ultrafast pulses of x-rays. The knowledge he’s gaining could reshape fields like materials science, artificial intelligence, ultrafast and quantum computers, and medical diagnostics. We hope you’ll tune in again wherever you get your podcasts. And as a reminder, we post full video versions of each of our episodes on YouTube every Friday, so be sure to check those out if you haven’t already.

    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: Matthias Kling

    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 guest Matthias Kling, a professor of photon science and applied physics at Stanford University.

    (00:02:21) Ultrafast Electronics

    New technologies enabling ultrafast photonics and electronics.

    (00:05:40) Attosecond Science Applications

    Capturing electron and molecular movements with attosecond pulses.

    (00:10:23) Real-Time Molecular Measurements

    How free-electron lasers enable detailed, atom-specific measurements.

    (00:15:02) Free-Electron Lasers

    Using light waves to capture images of molecules at room temperature.

    (00:22:28) Electronics at Light Speed

    Whether attosecond science could enable computing at petahertz speed.

    (00:26:24) Lightwaves & Quantum Computing

    How lightwave electronics could allow for energy-efficient quantum computers.

    (00:29:29) AI Meets Ultrafast Science

    AI's role in optimizing research and data collection in ultrafast electronics.

    (00:31:47) The Future of Ultafast Electronics

    How attosecond science, computing, and AI converge to accelerate innovation.

    (00:35:25) 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


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    36 minutos
  • The future of allergies

    The future of allergies
    Sep 12 2025
    Allergist Tina Sindher acknowledges that allergies may be affecting more people worldwide, influenced by a combination of factors such as environmental changes, modern lifestyles, urbanization, and evolving dietary habits. Prevention is playing catch-up, and promising new strategies include earlier food introduction than was popular only a few years ago. On the treatment front, hopes are rising for immunotherapies and a new prescription medicine, omalizumab, that addresses multiple allergens at once. While no single approach helps all, these strategies could allow millions worldwide to better manage their allergies, Sindher 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: Sayantani (Tina) SindherConnect 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 Tina Sindher, a professor of medicine and allergy at Stanford University.(00:03:16) Inside the Immune ResponseWhy our immune systems trigger allergic reactions.(00:04:57) Genes vs. EnvironmentWhether genetics or environment drive allergy risks.(00:08:05) The Microbiome FactorThe role of the microbiome and early exposures in prevention.(00:09:17) A Global Allergy SurgeHow global allergy trends reveal rising health challenges.(00:11:56) Potent Food TriggersWhy some foods cause stronger and faster reactions.(00:13:49) Emerging RisksWhether Alpha-Gal signals new emerging allergy risks.(00:15:47) Multi-Food AllergiesHow multi-food allergies complicate diagnosis and treatment.(00:19:02) Preventing Allergies EarlyWhy early food introduction may help prevent allergies.(00:20:54) Skin’s Role in AllergiesThe importance of infant skin health in allergy development.(00:23:39) Testing LimitationsThe limits of current testing methods to truly diagnose allergies.(00:25:13) Standard Testing ProcedureThe current methodologies deployed when testing for allergies.(00:27:28) New TherapiesHow new therapies like OIT and Xolair are reshaping treatment.(00:31:50) The Future of AllergiesThe potential of combined therapies to aid in allergy treatment.(00:34:33) Managing Seasonal AllergiesHow to manage seasonal allergies effectively at home.(00:37:08) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    38 minutos
  • The future of bone health

    The future of bone health
    Sep 5 2025
    Endocrinologist Joy Wu says that osteoporosis can affect more than half of women and a quarter of men over 50 – often without symptoms until a fracture changes everything, leading to a loss of mobility and independence. Wu explains why bones weaken with age and how to strengthen them through exercise and smart medicine. Her lab is exploring innovative drugs and turning skin cells into new bone-forming osteoblasts. We’re delving into the great mystery of building new bone and making old bones stronger, Wu 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: Joy WuConnect 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 Joy Wu, a professor of endocrinology at Stanford University.(00:03:06) Path into Bone ResearchJoy shares her path from endocrinology training to studying bone biology.(00:04:10) Calcium and Vitamin D in Bone HealthHow these nutrients build strong bones and prevent fractures.(00:05:13) Why Bones Heal ThemselvesWhy bones can regenerate so effectively compared to other tissues.(00:06:26) Can We Feel Our Bones?The mystery of weather-related aches at old fracture sites.(00:07:23) Understanding OsteoporosisThe prevalence of osteoporosis in the elderly, especially in women.(00:08:34) Diagnosing OsteoporosisWhy osteoporosis often goes undetected until fractures appear.(00:09:36) Risk Factors Beyond AgingThe risk factors outside of aging that can lead to osteoporosis.(00:10:48) Steroids, Exercise, and Bone HealthThe impact of systemic steroids and exercise on bone health.(00:12:40) Height Loss and Spine FracturesHow shrinking height in older adults can signal vertebral fractures.(00:14:46) Cancer and Bone HealthHow cancers spread to bone and how therapies affect bone health.(00:17:09) Medications for OsteoporosisThe complexities of using certain medications in cancer patients with bone loss.(00:20:10) Hormones and Bone GrowthUsing SERMs to protect bone while reducing breast cancer risk.(00:21:45) Stem Cells and Building BoneResearch on reprogramming skin cells into bone-forming osteoblasts.(00:23:31) Why Treatments PlateauWhy bone-building drugs stop working after two years.(00:24:49) Challenges in Bone RegenerationThe potential of Wnt signalling and stem cells in lasting bone regeneration.(00:28:09) Validating Osteoblasts in the LabTesting whether reprogrammed cells behave like natural osteoblasts.(00:29:11) Future Outlook for Bone BiologyThe limits of bone cell replication and what it means for future therapies.(00:30:10) Advice for Strong BonesPractical do’s and don’ts for optimizing bone health.(00:32:41) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    33 minutos
  • Best of: The future of reading

    Best of: The future of reading
    Aug 29 2025
    It’s still summer, but many children and teachers are back in school or preparing to return to the classroom. About a year ago, we sat down with Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education, to discuss the complex process of learning how to read. Professor Silverman unpacks the challenges of decoding and comprehension, two things that are vital for reading instruction to be successful. Whether you’re supporting a new reader or curious about the hurdles new readers must overcome, we hope you’ll tune in to this conversation again.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: Rebecca D. SilvermanConnect 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 Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education at Stanford University.(00:01:59) Why Reading Is HardWhy reading is a complex, non-natural skill essential for education.(00:03:14) Decoding & ComprehensionThe core components of reading and the challenges of comprehension.(00:05:07) Improving ComprehensionWhy improving comprehension takes years and sustained support.(00:06:40) Variability in LearningWhy some kids excel, others need help, and many struggle.(00:08:26) Nature vs. NurtureHow genetics and environment combine to shape reading ability.(00:09:17) Reading Across LanguagesHow different writing systems affect how quickly kids learn to read.(00:10:57) Identifying Struggling ReadersResearch challenges in identifying decoding and comprehension issues.(00:14:42) Paper vs. Digital ReadingKey differences between reading on paper and screens.(00:18:04) Technology in LiteracyHow technology is effective for decoding but less so for comprehension.(00:19:58) Family InfluenceThe importance of family and storytelling in literacy development.(00:21:52) Adult LiteracyWhether adults can learn to read as easily as young learners.(00:23:13) Challenges For TeachersThe challenges teachers face in teaching literacy alongside multiple subjects(00:25:15) The Future of AI in ReadingThe potential of AI and digital tools to help tailor literacy support.(00:28:50) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    29 minutos