The Future of Everything

We’re just weeks away from a national election, and in our polarized society, we all know it can be difficult to find and create spaces for thoughtful policy discussions. A couple of years ago, James Fishkin, a professor of communication at Stanford, joined the podcast. He talked about a system called deliberative polling that can serve as a model for structuring small group discussions to help bring people together and bridge differences in conversations about some of the most politically fraught issues. It’s an opportune time to bring this conversation back for another listen and we hope our discussion helps as you go about your conversations through this political season and beyond.  

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Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: James Fishkin
• James’ Lab: Deliberative Democracy Lab

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest James Fishkin, a professor of communication at Stanford.

(00:01:31) What is Deliberative Democracy?

The concept of deliberative democracy and how it addresses political divides.

(00:03:47) Managing Balance in Deliberation

The importance of balanced group discussions and strategies for avoiding conflict.

(00:04:55) Scaling Deliberation for Large Groups

The logistics and technology behind scaling to larger groups, both online and in person.

(00:06:54) Deciding Which Questions to Address

How tough issues are selected for deliberation in different locations.

(00:10:54) The Human Element in Deliberation

The surprising effectiveness of online platforms for fostering connection.

(00:13:13) Automated Moderators in Deliberation

The development and success of automated moderators in online deliberations.

(00:19:20) Applying Deliberative Democracy to the U.S.

Whether deliberative polling could help address political deadlock in the U.S.

(00:25:30) The Future of Deliberative Polling

The future possibilities of scaling deliberative polling to larger populations.

(00:27:23) Conclusion

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Astronautics professor Grace Gao is an authority on the Global Positioning System. GPS has long been key to navigation on Earth, she says, but science is now shifting its focus outward to the frontiers of space. Gao is working on a GPS-like system for the Moon. To keep costs low, this lunar positioning system will leverage Earth-based satellites complemented by a network of smaller satellites in lunar orbit. It could lead to autonomous vehicles on the moon and a new era of lunar exploration, Gao tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. 

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Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Grace Gao
• Grace’s Labe:Stanford NAV Lab

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces Grace Gao, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford University.

(00:02:15) GNSS vs. GPS

The difference between GPS and GNSS, and the different global navigation systems.

(00:03:09) How Does GPS Work? 

GPS operation, including the role of satellites, ground monitoring stations, and user receivers.

(00:04:07) GPS Signal and Satellites

How GPS uses multiple satellites and how the different global systems collaborate to improve accuracy.

(00:05:23) GPS Challenges in Cities

Issues with GPS in urban environments and the importance of reliability and safety.

(00:07:53) Improving GPS Accuracy

Multimodal sensor fusion helps enhance GPS accuracy in challenging environments.

 (00:10:11) Collaboration Among Autonomous Vehicles

The potential for autonomous vehicles to share information for better navigation and safety.

(00:14:07) GPS Safety and Signal Jamming

GPS safety concerns and real-world signal disruption examples.

(00:18:56) GPS in Space Travel

How GNSS and Earth-based GPS systems can support space missions.

(00:25:05) Designing Lunar GPS

The cost and coverage challenges of creating a lunar navigation system.

(00:27:13) Autonomous Moon Rovers

NASA’s plans for collaborative autonomous rovers on the Moon.

(00:30:42) Conclusion

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Sports medicine physician Emily Kraus knows a lot about the health challenges of female athletes. Women face far more ACL tears and bone stress injuries than men, for instance, and excessive training or poor nutrition can also delay puberty and affect menstruation. These differences are vastly understudied, she says. To close the gap, Kraus initiated the “Female Athlete Voice Project” that asks female Olympic and Paralympic athletes about their health experiences. We need to tailor approaches specific to female athletes, Kraus 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 quest. You can send questions to [email protected].

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Emily Kraus
• Emily’s Survey: Centering The Female Athlete Voice in a Sports Science Research Agenda
• Stanford FASTR Program
• Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces Emily Kraus, a professor of orthopedics at Stanford University and an expert on the issues of women's health.

(00:02:19) Health Challenges for Female Athletes

Prevalent injuries and health issues unique to female athletes.

(00:03:57) Hormonal Health and Puberty

The impact of hormonal health and menstrual cycles on young athletes’ performance.

(00:06:57) Body Composition and Mental Health

The challenges and psychological impact puberty has on young athletes.

(00:08:53) Female Athletes in Adulthood

The lack of research and resources available for female athletes during major life transitions.

(00:12:48) Nutrition, Fueling, and Recovery Science

How science has evolved in understanding nutrition, recovery, and strategic rest.

(00:15:54) Gender Differences in Fueling and Recovering

The differences between male and female athletes in nutrition and recovery.

(00:19:19) Survey of Olympic Athletes

Insights from female Olympians and Paralympians on the key gaps in sports science research.

(00:21:40) The WUSAI Human Performance Alliance

The WUSAI Human Performance Alliance’s focus on uncovering the principles of human performance.

(00:25:35) The Female Athlete Survey

The unexpected findings from the survey, highlighting the sexism and inequity in sports.

(00:27:26) Spreading Knowledge to Athletes and Clinicians

How Emily’s research is being received by the broader athletic and medical communities.

(00:30:00) Conclusion

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Today, we’re bringing you a best-of from our archive of over 250 episodes. We’re all aware that the consequences of climate change range from rising sea levels, to drought, wildfires, economic disruption and the displacement of populations. We’re seeing and living through many of these effects, but is there hope for managing additional risk? A couple years ago we sat down with environmental scientist Chris Field to ask this question. He shared that it’s still possible to pave the way to a sustainable future. Take another listen to this episode to hear more about how he thinks we can do this together.

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Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Chris Field
• Original Episode: How to fight climate change | Stanford University School of Engineering

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Chris Field, a professor of earth systems science and biology at Stanford.

(00:01:59) The Status of Climate Change

The current status of global warming and the need for ongoing emissions reductions.

(00:03:17) Understanding CO2 and Temperature

The linear relationship between CO2 emissions and global warming.

(00:05:00) Is Zero Emissions Feasible?

The UN's climate goals and why both mitigation and adaptation are crucial.

(00:06:04) Global Collaboration for Climate Action

The role of both private sector innovations and global political collaboration in climate action.

(00:08:22) Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Progress made in strategies for mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects.

(00:11:25) Climate Impact on Disasters

How rising temperatures exacerbate coastal flooding and wildfire risks.

(00:14:07) Adaptation to Coastal Flooding

Insights into strategies such as improving infrastructure and planned relocation.

(00:16:47) Adaptation to Wildfires

Assessment of fire management policies and the challenges of wildfire risk in high-risk regions.

(00:19:03) Technological Innovations in Climate Change

The potential for future technological innovations to solve climate change.

(00:20:54) Ukraine Conflict and Climate Change

The surprising connection between the Ukraine conflict and global climate change.

(00:23:41) Individual Impact on Climate Change

How individuals can make contributions to combating climate change in their everyday lives.

(00:25:57) The Role of Young People in Climate Change

The role young people play in the fight against climate change.

(00:27:12) Conclusion

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Taken any selfies lately? Dermatologist Zakia Rahman studies both the science of healthy skin and the effects of the exponential increase in skin images on self-esteem. As a result, skin health is linked to mental health, she says. It’s not about vanity, it’s about vitality, Rahman 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 quest. You can send questions to [email protected].

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Zakia Rahman
• Stanford Center on Longevity

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Zakia Rahman, a professor of dermatology at Stanford University.

(00:02:24) The Impact of Digital Technologies

How digital technologies and frequent image exposure affect dermatology and self-perception.

(00:03:40) Effects of Self-Image on Dermatology

Balancing vanity and vitality in modern skincare trends.

(00:05:05) The Role of Lasers in Dermatology

The use of laser technology in dermatology, including types and applications.

(00:08:44) Lasers in Skin Cancer Treatment

How laser technology aids in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer.

(00:10:11) Progress in Skin Cancer

The effectiveness of sun protection measures and how we can better prevent skin cancer.

(00:13:29) Effectiveness of Physical Sun Protection

The protective benefits of everyday clothing versus specialized sun-protective gear.

(00:18:56) Ethnic Differences in Skin Health

The differences in skin health and sun exposure effects across various ethnic groups.

(00:23:43) Aesthetic and Cultural Implications in Skin Care

How cultural perceptions of beauty intersect with skincare and overall health.

(00:26:08) Therapeutic Effects of Light

The potential skincare benefits of red light therapy and its popularity.

(00:28:55) Conclusion

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Arvind Karunakaran studies the intersections of work, AI, and organizational behavior. He says AI can enhance speed and productivity in the short run, yet degrade skills over time. But it is in organizational power dynamics where AI has had its most marked impact, he says, telling host Russ Altman about situations in law firms where AI has fostered tension between paralegals and junior attorneys. It’s AI and the modern workplace 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 quest. You can send questions to [email protected].

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• Stanford Profile: Arvind Karunakaran

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Arvind Karunakaran, a professor of management science and engineering at Stanford University.

(00:02:47) Productivity vs. Skill Development

The broader impact of AI on workplace productivity and the potential skill loss among workers.

(00:04:39) New Skills for the AI Era

Whether new skill sets required by AI tools are emerging or if it's still too early to tell.

(00:06:17) AI and Power Dynamics

How AI is influencing authority and power dynamics in the workplace.

(00:09:16) Challenges of Role Re-Design with AI

The need for systemic changes in job roles and organizational structures to accommodate AI.

(00:11:02) Accountability and AI in Decision-Making

The complexities of accountability when AI is involved in decision-making processes.

(00:15:14) Platforms and Power Dynamics

The role of platforms as intermediaries and their impact on authority and power dynamics.

(00:20:28) AI Experimentation in the Workplace

How organizations are experimenting with AI and the importance of trust in these processes.

(00:23:29) Rethinking Training for AI Integration

The necessity of innovative training methods to effectively integrate AI in workplace settings.

(00:25:30) Management Strategies for AI Adoption

Ways managers can approach AI integration in their organizations to foster productivity and innovation

(00:28:12) AI in Gig Work Platforms

Challenges and opportunities AI presents within gig work platforms.

(00:32:20) Conclusion

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We want to wish our listeners in the states a happy Labor Day weekend. We hope, wherever you are, you’re taking some time to savor the last bit of summer. After a couple months full of travel and news about the airplane industry, we can’t help wondering — are there better ways to build airplanes? Our previous guest, Ilan Kroo, an expert in aeronautics, discusses how recent developments in fuels, engines, materials, and computer controls are leading to a new era of airplanes. We hope you’ll tune in and learn something new.

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 quest. You can send questions to [email protected].

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• Stanford Profile: Ilan Kroo

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Ilan Kroo, a professor of aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford University.

(00:01:33) The Future of Airplane Design

The technological advancements that are enabling new types of aircraft designs.

(00:03:52) Designing Airplanes with Active Control

Active control systems and their impact on airplane safety and efficiency.

(00:05:03) Personal Flying Vehicles

eVTOL vehicles as a promising future technology for personalized and commercial travel.

(00:06:54) Scaling eVTOL and Air Traffic Control

How companies and regulatory bodies are preparing for the rise of eVTOL vehicles.

(00:10:21) Sustainable Aviation

New engine concepts, composite materials, and sustainable fuels in commercial aviation.

(00:16:42) Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft

Hydrogen's potential as a sustainable fuel source and its impact on airplane design.

(00:19:44) Climate Modelling in Airplane Design

The intersection of climate science and airplane design for a more sustainable future.

(00:22:04) Unconventional Airplane Designs

New designs that may become the future of aviation, with benefits in sustainability and performance.

(00:25:55) Conclusion

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Political scientist Kathryn Stoner is the Director of the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) at Stanford and an authority on Russian/Ukrainian politics. She says views on the current war depend on which side someone is on: Many Russians and their leader Vladimir Putin say Ukrainians are Russians and have been since the 10th century. Ukrainians strongly disagree, likening the two nations to the U.S. and Great Britain. How the present conflict is resolved has important implications for other former Soviet states and the future of the European Union, as Stoner 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 quest. You can send questions to [email protected].

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• Stanford CDDRL Profile: Kathryn Stoner

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Kathryn Stoner, director of the Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law at Stanford University.

(00:02:09) Historical Context of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

How historical narratives shape perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

(00:05:38) U.S. and International Perspectives

The strategic implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict for the United States and its historical agreements.

(00:08:49) The Domino Effect and Regional Risks

The potential risks to other former Soviet republics and the concept of the domino effect.

(00:12:43) Democracy in the Post-Soviet States

Analysis of the state of democracy in Ukraine, Georgia, and other former Soviet republics

(00:18:59) The Unexpected Stalemate

Why the Russia-Ukraine war has not gone as expected and the strategic missteps by Russia.

(00:22:39) Domestic Impact in Russia

The impact of the war on Russian public opinion and why Russians are not openly protesting against it.

(00:28:46) Hope for the Future

Potential sources of optimism for the future of Russia and its younger generation.

(00:31:40) Conclusion

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Dan Schwartz is a cognitive psychologist and dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education. He says that artificial intelligence is a different beast, but he is optimistic about its future in education. “It’s going to change stuff. It’s really an exciting time,” he says. Schwartz imagines a world not where AI is the teacher, but where human students learn by teaching AI chatbots key concepts. It’s called the Protégé Effect, Schwartz says, providing host Russ Altman a glimpse of the future of education on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Daniel Schwartz

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Dan Schwartz, a professor of education and a dean of the School of Education at Stanford University.

(00:02:06) The Role of AI in Modern Education

The widespread reactions and implications of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in education.

(00:03:22) The Role of Technology in the Classroom

The historical and evolving relationship between technology and education.

(00:05:14) Engaging Students with AI

How AI can enhance student engagement through innovative teaching methods.

(00:08:08) Impact of AI on Student Learning

The balance between AI tools and maintaining educational standards.

(00:13:42) Industry's Role in Educational Technology

Challenges and opportunities in collaborating with educational technology companies.

(00:15:44) Teacher's Role in Adapting to AI

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

(00:18:39) Assessment and Grading with AI

The potential and concerns of using AI for educational assessment.

(00:22:34) Learning Strategies and Conceptual Understanding

The importance of understanding the underlying concepts rather than just using AI tools.

(00:25:08) Physical Activity and Learning

The connection between physical activity and improved learning outcomes.

(00:29:17) Conclusion

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Today, we’re re-running a fascinating conversation with Sara Singer, a Stanford professor of medicine, and an expert on integrated healthcare. Anyone who’s had to navigate the healthcare system knows it’s extremely complex, and care can often feel disjointed or inefficient. In this episode, Sara highlights new technologies that could improve integration within the healthcare system, ultimately enhancing a practitioners’ ability to care for patients. We hope you’ll take another listen and enjoy.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Sara Singer

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Sarah Singer, a professor of medicine and organizational behaviour at Stanford University

(00:02:25) Defining Integrated Care

The concept of integrated care and its significance in improving patient experience.

(00:03:37) Global Implementation of Integrated Care

The global challenges and successes in implementing integrated care.

(00:04:45) Cost Implications of Integrated Care

The potential cost-saving benefits of integrated care through efficient coordination.

(00:05:34) COVID-19’s Impact on Healthcare Integration

The pandemic's dual role in exposing challenges and providing opportunities for integrated care.

(00:07:45) The Role of AI in Healthcare's Future

AI’s potential in healthcare and the importance of user collaboration.

(00:09:38) Importance of Iterative Development

The need for continuous collaboration in healthcare technology development.

(00:12:16) Patient Perspectives in Tech Development

The value of integrating patient feedback into healthcare technology.

(00:13:20) Consumer Suggestions for Health Care

How patient feedback has influenced health care improvements.

(00:16:49) Iterative Development of Health Care Technologies

The iterative process of developing health care technologies with continuous input from end users.

(00:24:29) Advice for Healthcare Technologists

Advice for technologists on developing useful and accepted healthcare tools.

(00:27:22) Conclusion

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