Episódios

  • 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
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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
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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. Silverman

    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 Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education at Stanford University.

    (00:01:59) Why Reading Is Hard

    Why reading is a complex, non-natural skill essential for education.

    (00:03:14) Decoding & Comprehension

    The core components of reading and the challenges of comprehension.

    (00:05:07) Improving Comprehension

    Why improving comprehension takes years and sustained support.

    (00:06:40) Variability in Learning

    Why some kids excel, others need help, and many struggle.

    (00:08:26) Nature vs. Nurture

    How genetics and environment combine to shape reading ability.

    (00:09:17) Reading Across Languages

    How different writing systems affect how quickly kids learn to read.

    (00:10:57) Identifying Struggling Readers

    Research challenges in identifying decoding and comprehension issues.

    (00:14:42) Paper vs. Digital Reading

    Key differences between reading on paper and screens.

    (00:18:04) Technology in Literacy

    How technology is effective for decoding but less so for comprehension.

    (00:19:58) Family Influence

    The importance of family and storytelling in literacy development.

    (00:21:52) Adult Literacy

    Whether adults can learn to read as easily as young learners.

    (00:23:13) Challenges For Teachers

    The challenges teachers face in teaching literacy alongside multiple subjects

    (00:25:15) The Future of AI in Reading

    The potential of AI and digital tools to help tailor literacy support.

    (00:28:50) 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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    29 minutos
  • The future of inequality

    The future of inequality
    Aug 22 2025
    Sociologist David Grusky argues that all the usual debilitating debates about inequality can be sidestepped if we focus on the worst forms – those rooted in cronyism, racism, and nepotism – that everyone can agree are nothing more than a pernicious transfer of income or wealth from the powerless to the powerful. To fight this “worst form” of inequality, Grusky shows how powerful interventions can be identified with new quasi-experimental methods, including those that use naturally occurring or AI-generated doppelgangers instead of very expensive randomized controlled trials. “We’re leaving a lot of talent on the table. And the cost is profound,” Grusky tells host Russ Altman about the price of inequality 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: David GruskyConnect 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 David Grusky, a professor of sociology at Stanford University.(00:02:57) Studying InequalityDavid explains his motivation for studying inequality.(00:03:44) What Is Good Inequality?How productive contributions create justifiable inequalities in income.(00:04:48) Example of Bad InequalityWhen legitimate productivity becomes mixed with exploitation(00:07:22) Widespread Nature of Bad InequalityDifferent groups within society who benefit from bad inequality.(00:10:58) The Birth Lottery ProblemHow the circumstances of birth create hidden advantages.(00:13:15) Status & Social Class InequalityWhether prestige and non-financial rewards intersect with inequality.(00:14:52) Good Jobs vs. Bad JobsWhat constitutes a good job in an era of rapid technological change.(00:16:20) The Limits of Progressive TaxationWhy progressive taxation fails to distinguish between inequalities.(00:21:01) Predistribution SolutionsPreventing bad inequality before it occurs with institutional reform.(00:24:31) Reform ChallengesHow entrenched interests and weak evaluation block reform progress.(00:25:54) Inequality Research ToolsQuasi-experimental methods that evaluate inequality interventions.(00:28:39) AI Clones for Policy TestingUsing large language models to simulate individuals and test policy ideas.(00:33:55) 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
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    35 minutos
  • The future of cancer neuroscience

    The future of cancer neuroscience
    Aug 15 2025

    Neurologist Michelle Monje studies the close relationship between cancer and the nervous system, particularly in an aggressive brain cancer that often strikes in childhood. Her research shows that the cancer cells are electrically integrated into the brain itself and these connections actually help the cancer to grow. Monje and collaborators have now developed an immunotherapy that has shown great promise in mice and early human trials. One patient had a “complete response” and is cancer-free four years after treatment, Monje 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: Michelle Monje

    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 Michelle Monje, a professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford University.

    (00:03:39) Focus on Cancer Research

    Monje’s clinical observations led to exploring cancer-neuron interactions.

    (00:05:28) Neurons and Glial Cells

    The role of neurons and glial cells in brain function and disease.

    (00:08:32) Gliomas in Children

    An overview of gliomas and their origins in glial precursor cells.

    (00:10:12) Rethinking Brain Cancer Behavior

    How gliomas don’t just grow—they integrate with brain circuits.

    (00:14:49) Mechanisms of Tumor Growth

    Two primary mechanisms by which cancer exploits the nervous system.

    (00:16:32) Synaptic Integration of Cancer Cells

    The discovery that glioma cells form synapses with neurons.

    (00:20:06) CAR T-Cell Therapy

    Adapting CAR T-cell immunotherapy to target brain tumors.

    (00:22:52) Targeting GD2 Antigen

    Identification of a surface marker enables precision CAR T-cell therapy.

    (00:24:35) Immune Access to the Brain

    The ability of CAR T-cells to reach the brain, despite prior understanding.

    (00:26:16) First Clinical Trial Results

    The significant tumor reduction and response from CAR T-cell therapy.

    (00:28:21) Combined Therapies

    Pairing immune therapy with neural signaling blockers for better outcomes.

    (00:30:35) 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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    31 minutos
  • Best of: The future of coastal erosion

    Best of: The future of coastal erosion
    Aug 8 2025
    It’s summertime, and for many of us that means a recreational trip to the beach or coast. Worldwide, billions of people live year-round near a coastline, and these settings can be responsible for everything from buffering storms and preventing sea-level rise to fishing, flourishing tourism, and trade. For all these reasons, the acceleration of coastal erosion is an important topic to understand. A couple years ago, we sat down with Jane Willenbring, a geoscientist who says that by studying what coastlines looked like long ago, we can better understand where they are headed and how to protect them. No matter where you live, we hope you’ll tune in to better understand the forces behind coastal erosion.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: Jane Kathryn WillenbringConnect 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 Jane Willenbring, a professor of Earth systems at Stanford University.(00:01:30) What Causes Coastal ErosionThe natural processes that build up or break down coastal regions.(00:02:58) When Coastlines GrowWhere and how coastal buildup can still occur, especially near rivers.(00:04:11) Measuring Coastal ErosionThe technological and geological measurements used to track change.(00:06:12) Dating Coastal RockUsing cosmic radiation to help measure long-term erosion rates.(00:07:48) Archaeology & Shifting SettlementsHow ancient coastal settlements reflect environmental change.(00:09:03) Tectonics vs. ErosionDifferentiating between sea level rise and tectonic land uplift.(00:10:09) Infrastructure at RiskThe dangers of coastal erosion to critical infrastructure.(00:12:12) Science Meets PolicyWhy long-term erosion timelines complicate policymaking.(00:14:11) Real-World ResponsesExamples of successes and failures due to policy inaction.(00:15:14) Disadvantages of Building BridgesThe unintended effects of building bridges and barriers.(00:16:11) “Unzipping” LandscapesHow rivers and streams carve landscapes from the inside out.(00:17:47) Sea Level Rise & Coastal ChangesThe mechanics of sea level rise and how it increases erosion.(00:19:25) Beaches as Natural DefensesWhy wide beaches are crucial to the protection of coastlines.(00:20:42) Cliff Collapse & BeachesWhat happens when sand is lost due to erosion or human intervention.(00:22:11) The Social Impacts of Coastal ErosionThe effects of coastal erosion on different socioeconomic classes(00:24:11) Public Health Risks of Coastal ErosionThe different health and infrastructure risks posed by unmanaged erosion.(00:26:05) Vegetation, Kelp, & Green SolutionsThe potential for vegetation and kelp to help soften coastal impact.(0028:43) 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
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    30 minutos
  • The future of plant chemistry

    The future of plant chemistry
    Aug 1 2025
    Chemical engineer Beth Sattely studies the intricate chemistry of plant life. Plants are more than food, she says: They are living chemical factories churning out molecules that help plants do everything from adapting to climate change to fighting infections – or even producing valuable new cancer drugs. Lately, Sattely’s lab is working on ways to make crops more resilient to engineer more sustainable foods and environments. Some of our most exciting technologies already exist in nature, we just have to find them, Sattely 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: Elizabeth SattelyConnect 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 Beth Sattely, a professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:10) Path to Plant MetabolismHow chemistry and gardening led to a career in plant science.(00:03:54) Environmental and Human HealthUsing plants to improve both the planet and people’s well-being.(00:04:53) Engineering Climate-Resilient CropsMaking crops more sustainable and nutritious amid global change.(00:05:58) Old vs. New Crop EngineeringComparing traditional breeding with modern molecular tools.(00:08:04) Industry and Long-Term Food SecurityThe gap between short-term market goals and long-term environmental needs.(00:09:13) Tomato ChemistryTomatoes reveal how plants produce protective molecules under stress.(00:12:26) Plant “Vaccines” and Immune SignalingHow plants communicate threats internally and mount chemical defenses.(00:14:14) Citrus Greening and LimonoidsThe potential role of limonoid research on citrus greening.(00:16:59) Plants Making MedicineHow plants like Yew trees naturally produce cancer drugs like Taxol.(00:21:19) Diet as Preventative MedicineIdentifying plant molecules to understand their preventative health effects. (00:24:36) Food Allergies and Plant ChemistryWhy the immune system tolerates some foods and rejects others.(00:26:42) Understanding Tolerance in ImmunityPossibility of reintroducing tolerance through partial molecular exposure.(00:28:02) Engineering Healthier PlantsPotential for designing plants to enhance micronutrient content.(00:29:04) Training the Next GenerationBeth celebrates her students’ role in shaping a sustainable future.(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
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    31 minutos
  • The future of parent-child bonding

    The future of parent-child bonding
    Jul 25 2025
    Biologist Lauren O’Connell studies poisonous frogs, but not just the toxins that make them dangerous. She also studies the neuroscience of their complex parenting. She’s learned that tadpoles recognize their mothers by smell and do a “begging dance” when hungry, and that the frogs produce a protein that protects them from their own poisonous chemistry. That protein could help treat overdoses in humans, O’Connell 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: Lauren O'ConnellConnect 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 Lauren O’Connell, a professor of biology at Stanford.(00:03:34) Why Poison Frogs?Lauren shares what led her to focus her research on poison frogs(00:05:16) Parenting Styles in FrogsThe diverse parental strategies across frog species.(00:08:36) The Role of Opioids in ParentingThe signalling factors in the frog brain that regulate bonding,(00:10:05) Hormones & Gender RolesThe influence of testosterone and estrogen on caregiving behaviors.(00:11:34) Implications for Human ResearchHow studying frogs reveals basic neural blueprints of parenting.(00:13:23) Tadpole’s CommunicationThe neural circuits behind tadpole communication and behavior.(00:15:10) Autism Gene Experiments in TadpolesHow genetic changes can alter tadpole social communication(00:17:47) Transparency & Tadpole BiologyObserving tadpole behavior and neural activity via their transparency.(00:20:59) Tracking Frogs in the WildResearch on how frogs navigate back to their tadpoles(00:24:31) Male vs. Female NavigationTestosterone’s influence on the ability to navigate more efficiently.(00:25:38) Toxin Tolerance MechanismsA toxin-binding protein that allows frogs to avoid self-poisoning.(00:29:01) Origin of the ToxinsThe origin and mechanisms of the toxins found in frogs.(00:31:15) The Value of Basic ScienceHow studying fundamental science can lead to unexpected applications.(00:33:10) 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
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    34 minutos