Episódios

  • Best of: The future of motivation

    Best of: The future of motivation
    Jan 2 2026
    We're here to wish you a very happy New Year! We hope you’re ringing in the new year in good health and looking forward to what’s ahead in 2026. As people are setting goals and making resolutions, we’re re-running an episode today on the future of motivation. Last year, we sat down with Szu-chi Huang, an expert in motivation. She explained how science is changing our understanding of goal-setting and achievement, and offered a few tricks you can try when you feel stuck. We hope you’ll tune in again today and pick up a few insights on how to sustain enthusiasm for your goals over time.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: ​​Szu-chi HuangConnect 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 Szu-chi Huang, a professor of Marketing at Stanford GSB.(00:02:13) Studying MotivationSzu-chi shares what led her to study motivational science.(00:02:45) Defining MotivationMotivation as the drive to close the gap between current and ideal self.(00:03:39) The Science of MotivationStudying motivation through behavioral and neurological data.(00:04:30) Why It Matters in BusinessHow motivation science applies to leaders, teams, and customers.(00:05:21) The Motivation FrameworkThe strategies needed in order to stay motivated over time.(00:06:24) Journey vs. Destination MindsetThe different mindsets needed throughout the stages of motivation.(00:08:03) Motivating Kids to Choose HealthyCollaborating with UNICEF to study what motivates children.(00:09:37) Gamified Coupons in PanamaA study using gamified coupons to influence children's food choices.(00:13:08) Loyalty Programs as MotivationHow customer reward programs act as structured goal journeys.(00:15:29) Progress Versus PurposeThe different incentives needed in each stage of loyalty programs.(00:17:11) Retirement Saving LessonsHow financial institutions apply motivational science to long-term goals.(00:19:54) Motivation in Social ContextThe role of social connections in goal pursuit and sustaining motivation.(00:21:20) Support vs. Competition in Shared GoalsThe benefits and drawbacks of sharing goal journeys with others.(00:24:52) Designing Apps for MotivationHow redesigning user interfaces can help users stay motivated.(00:26:02) AI as a Motivation CoachUsing AI to personalize feedback across all stages of goal pursuit.(00:28:50) Starting and Sustaining a GoalPractical strategies for launching and sustaining a goal.(00:30:59) 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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    31 minutos
  • Happy New Year From The Future of Everything

    Happy New Year From The Future of Everything
    Dec 31 2025

    Hi everyone, it’s your host, Russ. As we celebrate another holiday season and round out the year, I want to take a moment to say thank you for listening. This show started out over 8 years ago as an experiment and has not only grown to become a passion project, but also an archive of the impactful work my colleagues across Stanford dedicate their lives to. In a time when the sheer volume of information available to us can make it hard to determine what’s accurate, I’m proud to be able to bring you information directly from expert scientists in the fields of physics, medicine, technology, computer science, law, and much more.

    The show, however, would not exist without you. So thank you for giving us your time and attention; it means a lot and also makes what we do possible.

    Happy holidays and happy new year!

    Connect With Us:

    Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

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    1 minuto
  • Best of: The future of AI coaching

    Best of: The future of AI coaching
    Dec 26 2025

    We hope you’re enjoying the holiday season with family, friends, and loved ones. We’ll be releasing new episodes again in the new year – in the meantime, today, we’re re-running a fascinating episode on The future of AI coaching. The past few years have seen an incredible boom in AI and one of our colleagues, James Landay, a professor in Computer Science, thinks that when it comes to AI and education, things are just getting started. He’s particularly excited about the potential for AI to serve as a coach or tutor. We hope you’ll take another listen to this conversation and come away with some optimism for the potential AI has to help make us smarter and healthier.

    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: ​​James Landay

    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 James Landay, a professor of Computer Science at Stanford University.

    (00:01:44) Evolving AI Applications

    How large language models can replicate personal coaching experiences.

    (00:06:24) Role of Health Experts in AI

    Integrating insights from medical professionals into AI coaching systems.

    (00:10:01) Personalization in AI Coaching

    How AI coaches can adapt personalities and avatars to cater to user preferences.

    (00:12:30) Group Dynamics in AI Coaching

    Pros and cons of adding social features and group support to AI coaching systems.

    (00:13:48) Ambient Awareness in Technology

    Ambient awareness and how it enhances user engagement without active attention.

    (00:17:24) Using AI in Elementary Education

    Narrative-driven tutoring systems to inspire kids' learning and creativity.

    (00:22:39) Encouraging Student Writing with AI

    Using LLMs to motivate students to write through personalized feedback.

    (00:23:32) Scaling AI Educational Tools

    The ACORN project and creating dynamic, scalable learning experiences.

    (00:27:38) Human-Centered AI

    The concept of human-centered AI and its focus on designing for society.

    (00:30:13) 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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    31 minutos
  • The future of lipids in evolution

    The future of lipids in evolution
    Dec 19 2025
    Microbes are awesome, says biologist Paula Welander. They have shaped Earth’s chemistry and its environment over billions of years, including oxygenating the planet to make it habitable for larger life forms. In turn, microbes have been shaped by that very same environment, evolving as the climate has evolved, she says. Welander now studies the lipid membranes of ancient microbes, which can endure for millions of years, to understand this evolution and where we might be headed in the future. Microbes are our connection to the ancient world, Welander 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: ​​Paula V. WelanderConnect 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 Paula Welander, a professor of Earth Science at Stanford University.(00:04:06) Why Study Microbial LipidsWhy lipids are essential for modern microbiology and Earth’s history.(00:05:19) Diversity of Microbial MembranesHow bacteria and Archaea build different kinds of membranes.(00:07:15) Reconstructing Ancient EnvironmentsUsing specific lipid biomarkers to understand the early planet.(00:09:20) Chemical Fossils vs. Organism FossilsWhy microbes don’t leave traditional fossils—but their lipids do.(00:10:55) Lipids as Environmental CluesHow certain lipids indicate the environments organisms lived in.(00:12:36) Archaea: A Distinct and Ancient EntityArchaea’s evolutionary importance and chemically distinct membranes.(00:15:43) The Lipid DivideWhy eukaryotic membranes resemble bacterial, not Archaeal, membranes.(00:17:12) Tracing Membrane EvolutionRecent breakthroughs in studying Archaeal lineages related to eukaryotes.(00:19:11) Lipid Preservation Over TimeHow archaeal lipids are especially reliable as long-term biomarkers.(00:20:58) Sterols as BiomarkersThe role sterols, including cholesterol, play in lipid archeology.(00:23:14) Bacterial Cholesterol DiscoveryThe discovery that a rare bacteria can synthesize sterol precursors.(00:25:02) Functional Roles of Bacterial SterolsThe possible roles sterols may play in microbial membranes and cell function.(00:26:31) Archaea in the Human GutThe number and types of Archaea found in the human microbiome.(00:28:43) Archaea and AntibioticsWhether Archaea react similarly to bacteria when exposed to antibiotics.(00:29:46) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: hope, research needs, and alternate career dreams.(00:31:43) 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 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
  • The future of neurodegeneration

    The future of neurodegeneration
    Dec 12 2025
    Molecular biologist Judith Frydman studies the nuances of protein folding and how defects in the process lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Her team studies protein folding in human cells and in model organisms, like yeast and worms, to understand the molecular events that precipitate harmful protein defects in humans. In one example, Frydman’s team explored how aging affects the creation and the quality of proteins in the brain, leading to cognitive problems. She is now looking to develop therapies – someday perhaps leading to cures – to debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and others. The power of science gives her true hope in these important pursuits, Frydman tells host Russ Altman 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: ​​Judith FrydmanConnect 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 Judith Frydman, a professor of biology and genetics at Stanford University.(00:04:00) Linking Protein Folding to AgingHow aging disrupts protein-folding machinery across many organisms.(00:07:16) Universal Aging PatternsThe similar age-related protein-folding defects found across organisms(00:09:27) Studying Killifish AgeingResearch on the African killifish as a rapid-aging model organism.(00:13:05) Ribosome Function DeclinesHow aging causes ribosomes to stall and collide, creating faulty proteins.(00:15:31) Aging Across SpeciesThe potential factors causing alternate aging rates in different species.(20:11) What Fails Inside Aging CellsThe cellular components that are leading to bad protein creation.(00:24:04) Therapeutic ApproachesPotential interventions to combat cellular and neurological degeneration.(00:25:12) Gene vs. Small-Molecule TreatmentsHow some interventions may be better suited for certain diseases.(00:27:47) Ribosome Drug PotentialWhy ribosomes and translation factors are viable drug targets.(00:28:56) Next Steps in Aging ResearchUsing human skin fibroblasts to study human aging mechanisms.(00:31:46) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: scientific progress, young researchers, and archeology.(00:33:54) 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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    35 minutos
  • The future of ribosomes

    The future of ribosomes
    Dec 5 2025
    Maria Barna is an authority on ribosomes – “life’s most ancient and spectacular molecular machines.” Ribosomes make proteins in the body. There can be a thousand different types of ribosomes in a single cell, she says, each with a specific job to do. But sometimes things go awry and ribosomes get “hijacked,” leading to disease. Barna studies these “diabolical” variations to find new therapies to treat diseases ranging from cancer and COVID to Parkinson’s. When diseases hit, it’s all about the ribosomes, Barna 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: ​​Maria BarnaConnect 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 Maria Barna, a professor of genetics at Stanford University.(00:04:21) Origins of Ribosome ResearchMaria explains why ribosomes became the focus of her work.(00:06:14) Ribosome Function and ScaleRibosomes’ functions and the energy required for their production.(00:08:28) Ribosomes as MachinesHow ribosomes influence which proteins are produced and when.(00:09:48) Ribosome RegulationThe regulatory layers within ribosomes and their possible variants.(00:14:35) Ribosomes and DiseaseHow ribosomal dysfunction is linked to a wide range of diseases.(00:18:16) Ribosome Mutations and DevelopmentCongenital disorders that can be attributed to specific ribosomal mutations.(00:20:44) RNA vs. Protein OutputWhy RNA measurements alone do not accurately predict protein levels.(00:24:16) Designing Ribosomes for TherapyThe potential of using engineered ribosomes for target therapies.(00:26:16) Small-Molecule Ribosome ModulatorsScreening compounds that may enhance ribosome activity for treatments.(00:28:39) Future Ribosome ProfilingIsolating individual ribosomes to understand their specific roles.(00:30:35) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: scientific progress, community, and alternative career interest.(00:34:01) 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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    35 minutos
  • Best of: How to take waste out of wastewater

    Best of: How to take waste out of wastewater
    Nov 28 2025

    In October, chemical engineer Will Tarpeh was awarded a 2025 MacArthur “Genius Grant” in recognition of his pioneering work to turn wastewater into a source of valuable materials. Will envisions a future in which the concept of wastewater is obsolete, thanks to advances in recycling. A couple of years ago, we sat down to talk with him about this work, and we hope you’ll take another listen today to learn more about the research Will is doing to transform the potential of wastewater into resources.

    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: ​​William Abraham Tarpeh

    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 Will Tarpeh, a professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University.

    (00:03:01) Wastewater as a Modern Mine

    How elements like nitrogen and phosphorus can be recovered from waste.

    (00:04:15) Path to Sanitation Research

    Will shares what led to his interest in studying wastewater.

    (00:06:55) The Science of Separation

    The electrochemical and material techniques to extract valuable compounds.

    (00:08:37) Urine-Based Fertilizer

    How human urine could meet up to 30% of global fertilizer needs.

    (00:11:08) Drugs in Wastewater

    The potential of reclaiming pharmaceuticals from waste streams.

    (00:14:14) Decentralized Sanitation

    Opportunities for neighborhood or household-scale treatment systems.

    (00:16:48) Source Separation Systems

    How dividing waste at the source improves recycling and recovery.

    (00:18:56) Global Sanitation Challenges

    Ways that developing countries can adopt modern waste solutions.

    (00:23:51) Preventing Algal Blooms

    The systems that are helping to reduce nutrient pollution and dead zones.

    (00:27:16) The Urine Summit

    A community advancing urine recycling and sustainable sanitation policy.

    (00:28:43) 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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    29 minutos
  • The future of digital markets

    The future of digital markets
    Nov 21 2025
    Gabriel Weintraub studies how digital markets evolve. In that regard, he says platforms like Amazon, Uber, and Airbnb have already disrupted multiple verticals through their use of data and digital technologies. Now, they face both the opportunity and the challenge of leveraging AI to further transform markets, while doing so in a responsible and accountable way. Weintraub is also applying these insights to ease friction and accelerate results in government procurement and regulation. Ultimately, we must fall in love with solving the problem, not with the technology itself, Weintraub 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: Gabriel WeintraubConnect 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 Gabriel Weintraub, a professor of operations, information, and technology at Stanford University.(00:03:00) School Lunches to Digital PlatformsHow designing markets in Chile led Gabriel to study digital marketplaces.(00:03:57) What Makes a Good MarketOutlining the core principles that constitute a well-functioning market.(00:05:29) Opportunities and Challenges OnlineThe challenges associated with the vast data visibility of digital markets.(00:06:56) AI and the Future of SearchHow AI and LLMs could revolutionize digital platforms.(00:08:15) Rise of Vertical MarketplacesThe new specialized markets that curate supply and ensure quality.(00:10:23) Winners and Losers in Market ShiftsHow technology is reshaping industries from real estate to travel.(00:12:38) Government Procurement in ChileApplying market design and AI tools to Chile’s procurement system.(00:15:00) Leadership and AdoptionThe role of leadership in modernizing government systems.(00:18:59) AI in Government and RegulationUsing AI to help governments streamline complex bureaucratic systems.(00:21:45) Streamlining Construction PermitsPiloting AI tools to speed up municipal construction-permit approvals.(00:23:20) Building an AI StrategyCreating an AI strategy that aligns with business or policy goals.(00:25:26) Workforce and ExperimentationTraining employees to experiment with LLMs and explore productivity gains.(00:27:36) Humans and AI CollaborationThe importance of designing AI systems to augment human work, not replace it.(00:28:26) Future in a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: AI’s impact, passion and resilience, and soccer dreams.(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 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