The Future of Everything

By Stanford EngineeringScience Medicine Health & Fitness Technology

The Future of Everything episodes

August 02, 2024The future of cognitive tools
Psychologist Judy Fan is an expert in how physical objects facilitate learning. In the classroom, these include pencils, pens, paper, and whiteboards. But in any learning situation, the physical world provides tools for learning and communicating, often trumping the speed and reach of today’s digital technologies. These objects are cognitive tools – physical representations of human thought, she says. They help us think, solve problems, and communicate with others better and more effectively, as she tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Episode Reference Links:
Stanford Profile: Judy Fan
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Judy Fan, a professor of psychology at Stanford University.
(00:02:02) The Essence of Cognitive Tools
What cognitive tools are and their importance from ancient times to the present.
(00:03:37) Historical Context of Cognitive Tools
The historical evolution of cognitive tools and their role in education.
(00:06:57) Cross-Cultural Insights on Cognitive Tools
The universality of cognitive tools and cross-cultural variations.
(00:12:39) Developmental Trajectories in Visual Communication
How children develop the ability to visually communicate concepts and the differences between cultures.
(00:17:01) The Influence of Cultural Artifacts on Perception
How cultural exposure shapes our perception and depiction of the world.
(00:22:15) The Future of Learning Technologies
The impact of technological advancements on cognitive tools and potential directions for the future.
(00:24:29) Hands-On Learning and Interactive Tools
The importance of interactive learning activities that allow students to engage with scientific processes.
(00:27:44) Enhancing Creative Processes Through Technology
Ways technology can aid creative professionals and the development of tools for high-level experts.
(00:30:44) Bridging Novice and Expert Needs
The challenges of designing technology that serves both novices and experts.
(00:33:19) Conclusion
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35 min
July 26, 2024The future of perceptual phenomena
From witchcraft to shamans to those with schizophrenia, voices and visions have always been part of human experience and they have always intrigued anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann. She now studies how various cultures understand these mysterious mental phenomena. Luhrmann has observed and talked to hundreds who’ve experienced voices and visions and learned there are “different pathways” to understand them, as she tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Episode Reference Links:
Stanford Profile: Tanya Marie Luhrmann
Tanya Luhrmann: Website
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Tanya Luhrmann, a professor of anthropology at Stanford University.
(00:02:18) Origins of Interest
Tanya shares her background and how it influenced her studies on the human mind and its perceptions.
(00:05:53) Methodologies in Anthropological Research
The methods used to understand experiences like hearing voices and seeing visions.
(00:07:04) Cultural Variability in Human Experiences
How hearing voices varies across cultures, and their implications on mental health.
(00:13:42) The Clinical and Non-Clinical Spectrum
The clinical aspects of hearing voices, and how they are perceived and treated in different contexts.
(00:18:01) Non-Clinical Manifestations and Practice
The influence of practices and beliefs on non-clinical supernatural experiences.
(00:22:24) Characteristics of Leaders
Factors that make certain individuals leaders in perceptual practices.
(00:23:43) AI and Relationships with Chatbots
Parallels between relationships with imagined entities and modern AI chatbots.
(00:28:40) Conclusion
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30 min
July 19, 2024Russ’s Summer Playlist
Whether you’re taking a summer road trip, planning a long plane ride, or simply enjoying walks in the warm weather, we want to take a moment to recommend to you a few recent episodes of The Future of Everything to listen to along the way. You’ll find a list of these episodes in the show notes, but as a brief preview we’ve got conversations on robotics, brain science, cybersecurity, the universe, and exercise waiting for you. If you’re interested in any one of these topics, check out this summer playlist and be sure to download these episodes before you head out for summer fun.
Curated Episode Links:
The future of robotics (Jeannette Bohg): Website / YouTube
The future of brain science (Sergiu Pasca): Website / YouTube
The future of cybersecurity (Amy Zegart): Website / YouTube
The future of the universe (Risa Wechsler): Website / YouTube
The future of exercise (Jonathan Long): Website / YouTube
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Connect With Us:
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Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

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1 min
July 12, 2024The future of polymers
Alberto Salleo is an expert in the long, chain-like molecules known as polymers. The world relies on polymers and the most common are in plastics. Salleo is now working on a new generation of organic polymers made of Earth-abundant materials that could lead to flexible electronics that can biodegrade or be easily recycled. These polymers could be game-changers, Salleo tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Episode Reference Links:
Stanford Profile: Alberto Salleo
Alberto’s Lab: Salleo Research Group
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Alberto Salleo, a professor of materials science and engineering at Stanford University.
(00:03:02) Defining Polymers
A fundamental definition of polymers, emphasizing their structure as long molecules composed of repeating subunits.
(00:04:43) Everyday Applications of Polymers
The commonplace polymers that people encounter daily and their broader impacts.
(00:05:42) Organic Polymers and Electronics
The unique properties of organic polymers, their applications in electronics and potential for biodegradability.
(00:07:52) Advanced Polymer Applications
The development of flexible electronics using organic polymers, including the challenges and current research status.
(00:11:27) Neuromorphic Computing
The role of polymers in neuromorphic computing, highlighting how their properties could mimic brain functions.
(00:14:42) Human-Brain Interface and Computing Applications
The dual potential of polymers in interfacing with human brains and creating new generations of computers.
(00:18:04) Emerging Research and Technologies
The integration of electron microscopy from biology to study polymers and their structures.
(00:22:22) Electron Microscopy and Cryo-EM Techniques
Advanced electron microscopy techniques, such as cryo-EM, to study polymers.
(00:26:19) Electrochemistry and Sustainable Batteries
The application of polymers in electrochemistry, particularly in creating high-density, recyclable batteries.
(00:29:26) Conclusion
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31 min
July 05, 2024Best of: How math makes markets fairer
We have another best-of episode for you today. This one is a conversation with Irene Lo about the work she’s doing to study and leverage markets for social impact — think markets for public school assignments, or medical school residency matches. Irene reminds us that markets exist to help effectively allocate limited resources, and not all marketplaces are based in cash. We hope you’ll tune in again to this thought provoking conversation to hear Irene talk about the changing face of markets.
Episode Reference Links:
Stanford Profile: Irene Lo
Connect With Us:
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Irene Lo, a professor of management science and engineering at Stanford.
(00:03:23) Unique Challenges of Non-Financial Markets
The unique challenges in markets where monetary transactions are not feasible or ethical.
(00:04:21) School Choice and District Perspectives
The multifaceted decisions parents and school districts face in school choice.
(00:06:54) Collaboration with San Francisco School District
Connecting with the San Francisco School District to redesign their student assignment system.
(00:08:27) Algorithms and Testing of School Assignment Policies
The extensive simulations and community engagement involved in testing the new school assignment policies algorithm before implementation.
(00:11:18) Goals and Issues of the Old System
Why the old school assignment system failed to achieve its goals of predictability, proximity, and diversity.
(00:12:52) Algorithm Adaptation for Broader Use
The potential for adapting the San Francisco school assignment algorithms for use in other cities and districts.
(00:14:42) Applying Market Design to Medical Residency Matches
Adapting market design principles to medical residency placements, emphasizing multifactorial considerations.
(00:19:07) Market Design in the Developing World: Indonesian Palm Oil Market
Insights into the challenges and solutions in improving the supply chain for palm oil in Indonesia.
(00:24:08) Crowdsourcing Information
How crowdsourcing information can help improve market efficiency for palm oil farmers and the challenges involved.
(00:26:32) Market Manipulation and Algorithms
The future application of advanced algorithms to improve market dynamics once sufficient data is gathered.
(00:28:08) Conclusion
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29 min
June 28, 2024The future of exercise
Jonathan Long is a biochemist who studies the chemicals produced during exercise. In Long’s world, “you always start with molecules,” which offer “clean handles” to understanding complex processes. His lab has identified a chemical produced in the digestive tract during exercise that can make a person stop eating. Long now studies this “gut-brain axis” for ways to treat obesity, diabetes, and, perhaps, even age-related conditions like dementia, as he tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Episode Reference Links:
Stanford Profile: Jonathan Z. Long
Jonathan’s Lab: LongLab@Stanford
Study on Endocannabinoids and Exercise Motivation: The Endocannabinoid System and Physical Exercise
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Jonathan Long, a professor of pathology at Stanford University
(00:02:30) Effective Weight Loss Drugs
The increase of effective weight loss drugs, and the history and development of these GLP-1 receptor agonists.
(00:04:03) Understanding Metabolism and Exercise
Outline of metabolic chemicals released during physical activity and their potential to combat obesity and diabetes.
(00:05:38) Animal Models in Exercise Studies
The use of animal models in exercise studies and the discovery of Lac-Phe.
(00:07:15) Psychological Preparation for Exercise
The psychological aspects of exercise and the involvement of endocannabinoids in exercise motivation.
(00:09:28) Lac-Phe's Role and Mechanism
The role of Lac-Phe and its production in the gut.
(00:12:21) Differences in Exercise Response
Differences in exercise response between trained athletes and untrained individuals.
(00:13:25) Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases
The relationship between diabetes, exercise, and metabolic diseases.
(00:15:29) Lac-Phe as a Potential Therapeutic
The potential of Lac-Phe as a weight loss drug, and parallels to GLP-1 drug development.
(00:16:48) Importance of How Weight is Lost
Whether the method of weight-loss matters, and the importance of preserving lean muscle mass.
(00:19:40) Exercise as Medicine
The concept of exercise as medicine, and defining physical activity at the same resolution as modern medicines.
(00:22:39) Metformin and Exercise Pathways
The unexpected connection between metformin and the Lac-Phe pathway.
(00:24:08) Prospects of an Exercise Pill
The future of an exercise pill, and the scientific challenges associated with its development.
(00:27:33) Conclusion
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29 min
June 21, 2024Best of: The future of proteins
We’re digging back into our archives with an episode with bioengineer Polly Fordyce. Polly studies the form and function of proteins. She refers to proteins as the “workhorses” that make things in the body happen, and her study of these molecules reveals a greater understanding of human life. We hope you’ll tune in to this conversation again, and enjoy.
Episode Reference Links:
Stanford Profile: Polly Fordyce
Polly’s Lab: The Fordyce Lab
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Polly Fordyce, a professor of bioengineering and genetics at Stanford University.
(00:01:51) What are Proteins?
The basics of proteins and their crucial roles in the body.
(00:05:01) Protein Structure and Function
The relationship between protein structure and function.
(00:07:07) Innovations in Protein Research
The high-throughput technologies used in the lab to study protein functions.
(00:09:44) Mutant Proteins and Functional Variants
How mutations in proteins affect their function and structure, using the example of the protein PafA.
(00:14:24) The Impact of Protein Research on Medicine
Insight into how protein mutations can aid in developing targeted therapies.
(00:17:37) Proteins and DNA Interaction
The role of proteins in reading DNA and regulating gene expression.
(00:21:41) Transcription Factors and DNA Binding
The relationship between transcription factors and specific DNA sequences.
(00:25:36) Mechanisms of Transcription Activation
The process of transcription activation and the role of co-activators and RNA polymerase.
(00:28:15) Future Directions in Protein Research
The future of protein research, including making advanced research tools more accessible.
(00:30:36) Conclusion
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32 min
June 14, 2024The future of computer-aided education
Chris Piech is a professor of computer science who studies how computers can help students learn. In comparing human- and computer-aided education, he says humans are great one-on-one, but AI is more consistent at grading and feedback. He and colleagues have created several generative AI grading apps to take advantage of these relative strengths, as he tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Episode Reference Links:
Stanford Profile: Christopher Piech
Stanford Coding Program: Code in Place
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altmans introduces guest Chris Piech, a professor of computer science at Stanford University.
(00:01:50) Defining Coding and Its Challenges
What coding entails for beginners and the challenges associated with learning to code.
(00:03:37) Enhancing Learning with Computers
How computers and AI can be used to make learning more enjoyable and effective.
(00:05:12) Human Connection in Education
The significance of teacher-student relationships and how recent learners can be effective teachers.
(00:07:02) AI and Coding Education
The impact of AI on professional coding and how it can enhance the learning experience for new coders.
(00:08:48) Joy of Programming
The creative joy of programming and how AI tools can elevate the creation process.
(00:11:57) Comparing Human and AI Tutors
Results from experiments comparing the effectiveness of human and AI tutors.
(00:14:43) Fair and Effective Assessment
Challenges and strategies for fair and effective computational assessment of students' work.
(00:16:42) Addressing Bias and Fairness in Grading
Demographic fairness in grading algorithms and the potential biases in different subjects.
(00:20:52) Interactive and Unstructured Feedback
Using AI to provide feedback on unstructured and interactive student work, like games and apps.
(00:25:30) Expanding Beyond Academic Tests
Application of AI in non-academic assessments, such as medical tests, to improve accuracy and efficiency.
(00:27:42) Generative Grading
Introduction to generative grading, where AI generates potential misconceptions to help with grading and feedback.
(00:31:37) Conclusion
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33 min
June 07, 2024The future of effective communication
Guest Matt Abrahams is a master communicator who helps others overcome their fear of speaking — before live audiences, in small groups, or even one-on-one. His catchphrase, “Think Fast, Talk smart,” describes a mindset that, he says, is key to speaking well. Thinking fast is the ability to recognize and respond to patterns in order to talk smart — becoming more salient, relevant, and concise in the process. Abrahams coaches host Russ Altman on how to talk smart on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.
Episode Reference Links:
Matt Abrahams: Website
Stanford Profile: Website
Matt’s Podcast: Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces Matt Abrahams, an expert on communication and lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
(00:02:04) The Power of Thinking Fast and Talking Smart
Matt explains the concept behind his catchphrase and podcast, "Think Fast, Talk Smart".
(00:06:22) Addressing Speaking Anxiety
The prevalence of speaking anxiety, its evolutionary roots, and how it has evolved with modern communication tools.
(00:08:46) Impact of AI on Communication
How LLMs like ChatGPT can aid in preparation for speaking engagements and assist non-native speakers with communication.
(00:11:33) Virtual vs. In-Person Communication
Differences between in-person and virtual communication and how individuals can adapt to virtual communication environments.
(00:13:59) Handling Difficult Questions
Strategies for responding to questions when you don't know the answer or can't legally or ethically provide one.
(00:17:18) Structuring Effective Communications
Methods for structuring communications to ensure clarity and impact.
(00:22:10) Cultural Influences on Communication
The impact of cultural differences on communication styles and the importance of sensitivity and adaptation.
(00:25:11) Reevaluating the Use of Presentation Tools
The appropriate use of PowerPoint and other visual aids in presentations, with tips for making visuals effective and audience-focused.
(00:29:21) Conclusion
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31 min
May 31, 2024Best of: What happens when computers can write like humans
We’re bringing you a timely best-of episode, given the recent advances in generative AI tools like ChatGPT. A couple years ago we interviewed Jeff Hancock, a Stanford professor of communication whose research explores the psychological and interpersonal processes at play when people communicate with each other and with computers. At the time of this conversation, ChatGPT wasn’t yet available to the public, but today Jeff’s insights about how such technologies impact the ways we communicate seem more relevant than ever. We hope you’ll take another listen and enjoy.
Episode Reference Links:
Stanford Profile: Jeffrey Hancock
Jeff’s Lab: Stanford Social Media Lab
Stanford’s AI Institute: Stanford HAI
Jeff and Jeremy Bailenson’s paper on deep fakes: The Social Impact of Deepfakes
Jeff's paper on AI accessibility: Not All AI are Equal: Exploring the Accessibility of AI-Mediated Communication Technology
Jeff’s paper on encountering fake news: Credibility Perceptions and Detection Accuracy of Fake News Headlines on Social Media
Original episode: Ep.177 What Happens When Computers Can Write Like Humans Website / YouTube
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Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces guest Jeff Hancock, a professor of communications at Stanford University.
(00:03:04) Evolution of Communication
How social media and AI tools like spellcheck have changed the way we communicate.
(00:04:08) AI in Everyday Communication
The role of AI in daily communication tasks, like email responses, and whether this is beneficial or problematic.
(00:06:35) Authenticity and Bias in AI Communication
The potential biases in AI-generated language and its societal implications.
(00:08:42) Large Language Models and Their Capabilities
Overview of large language models like GPT-3 and their ability to generate human-like text.
(00:10:34) Practical Uses and Implications of AI-Generated Text
Practical applications of AI in generating text for marketing, education, and other fields.
(00:12:18) Tailoring AI Messages
The potential of AI to create personalized messages for different demographics.
(00:14:49) Ethical Considerations in AI-Assisted Writing
The ethical dilemmas in education regarding AI-assisted writing.
(00:17:15) AI and Disinformation
The risks associated with AI-generated disinformation and its impact on society.
(00:21:06) AI in Advertising and Marketing
AI's role in advertising and marketing, including the ethical considerations of using AI to create highly persuasive content.
(00:22:38) Building Resilience Against Disinformation
Tips for individuals to build resilience against disinformation.
(00:26:35) Conclusion
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28 min

About The Future of Everything

From the publisher's feed

Host Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine at Stanford, is your guide to the latest science and engineering breakthroughs. Join Russ and his guests as they explore cutting-edge advances that are shaping the future of everything from AI to health and renewable energy.