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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

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• 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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

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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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

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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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.

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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.

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• 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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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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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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