The Future of Everything

Michael Jewett is a pioneer of cell-free biotechnology. Instead of using living microbes as factories, he uses their internal molecular machinery to make valuable proteins, medicines, diagnostics, and other chemicals. Jewett recently used the technique for vaccine production in an approach that could produce up to 150,000 doses from one liter. He believes cell-free biotech could democratize the production of essential medicines, improve water safety, and help convert atmospheric carbon into useful products, among other promising possibilities. “It’s just-add-water biotechnology,” Jewett 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: Michael Christopher Jewett Connect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Mike Jewett, a professor of bioengineering and chemical engineering at Stanford University. (00:03:23) What Is Cell-Free Biotechnology? Using the internal machinery of cells without the cells themselves. (00:04:20) Removing “Evolutionary Baggage” Why cells’ natural priorities can conflict with engineering goals. (00:07:41) Advantages of Cell-Free Systems From large-scale production to decentralized, on-demand manufacturing. (00:11:40) Making Proteins Outside Cells How DNA instructions are used to produce functional proteins. (00:13:49) Biosensors for Water Safety Detecting contaminants like lead using engineered proteins. (00:17:05) Engineering Better Sensors Improving sensitivity and selectivity through protein design. (00:20:33) AI in Bioengineering How data and models accelerate discovery and design. (00:23:22) Sustainability & Carbon Capture Turning atmospheric carbon into useful chemicals. (00:26:18) Building New Biological Pathways Combining chemistry and biology to create novel production systems. (00:27:54) From Molecules to Materials How acetyl-CoA enables fuels, plastics, and other products. (00:30:51) Teaching Biotechnology Making biotech accessible through hands-on, “just-add-water” kits. (00:33:12) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: innovation, collaboration, and the future of biotech. (00:35:32) 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.

Education researcher Susanna Loeb studies the broad spectrum of learning experience, including ways to recruit and retain expert teachers, how to optimize classrooms, and the impact of technology on learning. She says pandemic-inspired innovations in tutoring have led to greater student engagement and improved learning outcomes. And on the growing influence of AI in education, Loeb counts herself an optimist. She sees it as a tool for good, enhancing personalized learning and supporting teachers. These innovations that didn’t exist a few years ago stand to help students to thrive, Loeb 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: Susanna Loeb Connect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Susanna Loeb, a professor of education at Stanford University. (00:02:58) Path into Education Susanna’s journey from engineering to education and her focus on impact at scale. (00:04:41) The Field of Learning Science The different approaches and challenges in education and its research. (00:07:06) Tutoring After the Pandemic How COVID exposed learning gaps and accelerated interest in tutoring. (00:10:14) What Makes Tutoring Effective The different factors that go into making tutoring effective. (00:12:16) Spreading Proven Practices Using proof points and partnerships to drive adoption across districts. (00:14:00) Building Education Networks The importance of trusted relationships and communication channels. (00:14:50) AI in the Classroom How schools are beginning to adopt AI tools and respond to demand. (00:16:00) AI & Education How teachers are leading AI adoption, with limited direct student use. (00:19:37) A Framework for Using AI The focus on improving student experiences and personalized learning. (00:21:23) Studying AI in Real Time Challenges of evaluating fast-changing tools and the need for rapid testing. (00:23:22) Partnering with AI Companies Collaborating with industry to test tools like ChatGPT in schools. (00:25:26) AI & Tutoring Blending human tutors with AI support to improve outcomes. (00:27:22) The Limits of AI Tutors Why human motivation and relationships remain essential. (00:28:54) The Future of Education Systems Balancing innovation with equitable access and student engagement. (00:30:51) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: optimism, scaling education, and collaboration. (00:32:54) 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.

Computer scientist Keith Winstein is an expert in how computers communicate. Computer networks create what he calls shared fictions – abstract realities, like a website or a Zoom call, that exist only because the computers on either end agree to act as if they are real. Unfortunately, today’s networks lack a shared notion of a “computation,” which hurts market efficiency in cloud computing and frustrates efforts to hold tech companies accountable for the results of their algorithms. As computational power becomes concentrated in a smaller number of companies, Winstein advocates for a shared language of “computational truths,” defining computations precisely so results are reproducible and auditable. His research group hopes this will lead to greater transparency and accountability in the cloud and, ultimately, to greater confidence in the computations that companies do every day on our behalf. The truth matters, Winstein 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: Keith Winstein Connect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Keith Winstein, a professor of computer science and electrical engineering at Stanford University (00:02:56) Why Choose Networking The appeal of the shared digital “fictions” created by connected computers. (00:04:22) The Internet’s Impact The broader societal implications of networking technologies. (00:05:35) Computational Truth The concept of tracking how data is produced and verified. (00:09:18) Misaligned Cloud Computing How “pay for effort” models create inefficiencies in cloud systems. (00:13:51) Determining Computational Truth The need for verifiable computation that produces consistent results. (00:18:19) Computations & Accountability How identifying computations could improve trust in systems. (00:20:56) Collaborating Online Why latency challenges make online performance collaboration difficult. (00:24:38) Real-Time Performance Systems Creating a custom system for musicians to perform together online. (00:28:00) Latency vs. Bandwidth Why faster internet speeds don’t necessarily reduce delay. (00:30:43) Eliminating Latency How buffering layers in software create unnecessary delay. (00:32:41) Balancing Audio Quality & Delay The different trade-offs for musicians, actors, and audiences. (00:34:20) Rethinking Computer Science Education The need to bring playfulness and interactivity back into learning. (00:35:46) The Xylophone-Based Class Teaching computation through real-time sound and music. (00:38:34) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: optimism, truth in computing, and innovation. (00:41:01) 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.

April is Earth Month, and in appreciation of the plant life all around us, we’re re-running a conversation we had with Beth Sattely last year on the future of plant chemistry. Beth reminds us that plants are more than food or pretty things to look at — they have the potential to help us fight climate change or even cancer. We hope you’ll take another listen and join us in learning more about how plants can positively impact environmental and human health. 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: Elizabeth Sattely Connect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Beth Sattely, a professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University. (00:01:28) Path to Plant Metabolism How chemistry and gardening led to a career in plant science. (00:02:12) Environmental & Human Health Using plants to improve both the planet and people’s well-being. (00:03:11) Engineering Climate-Resilient Crops Making crops more sustainable and nutritious amid global change. (00:04:16) Old vs. New Crop Engineering Comparing traditional breeding with modern molecular tools. (00:06:22) Industry & Long-Term Food Security The gap between short-term market goals and long-term environmental needs. (00:07:31) Tomato Chemistry Tomatoes reveal how plants produce protective molecules under stress. (00:10:44) Plant “Vaccines” & Immune Signaling How plants communicate threats internally and mount chemical defenses. (00:12:32) Citrus Greening & Limonoids The potential role of limonoid research on citrus greening. (00:15:17) Plants Making Medicine How plants like Yew trees naturally produce cancer drugs like Taxol. (00:19:37) Diet as Preventative Medicine Identifying plant molecules to understand their preventative health effects. (00:22:54) Food Allergies & Plant Chemistry Why the immune system tolerates some foods and rejects others. (00:25:00) Understanding Tolerance in Immunity Possibility of reintroducing tolerance through partial molecular exposure. (00:26:20) Engineering Healthier Plants Potential for designing plants to enhance micronutrient content. (00:27:58) Training the Next Generation Beth celebrates her students’ role in shaping a sustainable future. (00:28:57) 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.

Candace Thille is an authority in learning science, educational technology, and AI-enabled learning environments. She is closing the two-way gap between the science of learning research and the hands-on practice of instruction to help students learn better. Timely and targeted feedback with the opportunity to apply that feedback is critical to learning, Thille says, and this is an area where AI supporting humans excels. She imagines a day in the not-too-distant future when human educators and AI-enabled assistants unite to help students learn faster and better than ever before. Learning is not a spectator sport, and AI can help us engage with learners – and educators – in new ways, Thille 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: Candace Thille Connect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Candace Thille, a professor of education at Stanford University. (00:03:16) Path into Learning Science How Candace became interested in improving how people learn. (00:03:47) The Science of Learning An overview of the field and why it’s still developing. (00:04:42) Training Educators How learning science is applied in teacher education. (00:05:17) The Research to Practice Gap Why insights from classrooms rarely feed back into research. (00:06:43) Technology Supporting Teachers Using AI and other technological tools to enhance teaching. (00:09:00) The Open Learning Initiative (OLI) The origins of one of the first large-scale digital learning systems. (00:11:08) Learning with OLI How feedback and structured practice improved student outcomes. (00:13:14) Building OLI Across Disciplines The collaboration between researchers, instructors, and engineers. (00:14:36) The Accelerated Learning Study Evidence that students can learn faster without sacrificing outcomes. (00:18:02) Learning Science at Amazon Applying learning science research to workplace education. (00:22:29) Research as a Feedback Loop Why teaching practice should continuously inform research. (00:24:49) The Importance of Infrastructure Using captured learning data to improve instruction at scale. (00:25:37) Predictive AI for Learning Science The applications of older AI models in learning science research. (00:28:22) Generative AI as a Learning Interface How generative AI can make education more accessible. (00:31:01) The Myth of Learning Styles The misconception that most people have different learning styles. (00:33:30) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: new tools, data infrastructure, and supporting learners. (00:35:24) 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.

Legal expert Richard Ford studies the intersection of dress codes and the law. Clothing and hairstyles communicate power, identity, and social status, he says. Legal restrictions on dress stretch at least to the Middle Ages when “sumptuary laws” stipulated what one could wear by rank. Today, written rules have given way to unwritten codes that are in many ways more powerful culturally. Fashion is not trivial, he says, and no less worthy of study than high art or music. Clothing shapes everything, Ford 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: Richard Thompson Ford | Stanford Law School Connect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Rich Ford, a professor of law at Stanford University. (00:02:21) From Law to Fashion Rich Ford explains the legal roots of dress code disputes. (00:03:42) The Origins of Dress Codes Sumptuary laws and how clothing signaled social hierarchy. (00:05:06) Formal vs. Informal Dress Codes The shift from written laws to social norms and cultural expectations. (00:06:28) Teenagers & Self-Expression How people push boundaries within strict dress codes. (00:08:01) Masculine Renunciation Why men abandoned flashy fashion in the 1700s. (00:09:42) The Feminization of Fashion The gender shift in clothing and style expectations. (00:10:57) Controlling Dress Codes The effectiveness and consequences of imposed dress standards. (00:12:44) Hair, Identity, & Regulation The cultural and legal significance of hairstyles in dress codes. (00:14:40) Civil Rights & Clothing How dress became a tool for dignity and resistance. (00:18:29) Dressing for Respect How lived experience shaped Rich’s interest in fashion (00:20:40) Reverse Snobbery Why dressing casually can function as a marker of social standing (00:22:28) Gender Inequality in Fashion How clothing has historically limited women. (00:24:46) The “Midtown Uniform” How informal norms create uniformity even in the absence of rules. (00:26:03) Uniforms & Social Equality The benefits and limitations of uniforms in educational settings (00:27:44) The Future of Dress Codes Why fashion won’t disappear but is becoming more casual. (00:28:49) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: young people, time, and studying tailoring. (00:30:10) 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.

Epidemiologist Yvonne “Bonnie” Maldonado is an expert in vaccine research and public health. Look back centuries, and the story is always the same, she says: Death rates from viruses have plummeted, especially in children and the elderly. And yet, millions of children die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines need a return of public confidence, and that starts with better messaging and greater support of nongovernmental messengers like herself. The bottom line is that vaccines are safe, she says. Vaccines work and we have saved many lives because of them, Maldonado reminds 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: Yvonne Maldonado Connect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Yvonne “Bonnie” Maldonado, a professor of pediatrics, epidemiology and population health at Stanford University. (00:03:01) Career in Vaccines Bonnie shares what led to her career in vaccine research. (00:04:53) How Vaccines Work How vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens. (00:06:46) Why Vaccine Responses Vary The variability in immune responses and breakthrough infections. (00:09:22) Risk vs. Benefit in Vaccines How researchers evaluate side effects versus disease severity. (00:11:53) How Viruses Evolve The evolutionary dynamics that shape viral behavior. (00:13:59) Vaccine Boosters Why some vaccines last for life while others require multiple doses. (00:17:14) Herd Immunity How community protection works and why vaccination rates matter. (00:21:22) Vaccine Controversy The controversy surrounding vaccines and what led to it. (00:24:27) Global Vaccine Hesitancy How declining trust and past outbreaks influence vaccination globally. (00:27:07) The Future of Vaccines Why vaccines are essential and how outbreaks shape public response. (00:29:08) Preparing for Future Pandemics How healthcare systems prepare for new threats after COVID-19. (00:30:43) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: hope, public trust, and the future of health. (00:32:54) 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.

For many of us, this coming weekend marks the start of Daylight Saving Time, when we “spring forward” and move our clocks ahead by an hour. While the extra evening daylight can be one of the joys of the summer months, the time change has been known to disrupt our sleep. Last year we sat down with neurobiologist Jamie Zeitzer, a leading expert on sleep, to talk about practical strategies for getting a better night’s rest. As we approach this transition, it’s the perfect time to revisit that conversation. We hope you’ll add this episode to your podcast queue and give it another listen this weekend. 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: Jamie Zeitzer Connect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Jamie Zeitzer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. (00:02:01) Understanding Circadian Rhythms How the biological clock regulates sleep and other body functions. (00:03:45) The Mystery of Sleep’s Purpose What is still unknown about the fundamental need for sleep. (00:04:49) Light & the Circadian Clock The impact light exposure has on the body’s internal sleep timing. (00:07:02) Day & Night Light Contrast The importance of creating a light-dark contrast for healthy rhythms. (00:10:06) Phones, Screens, & the Blue Light Whether blue light from screen use affects sleep quality. (00:12:37) Defining & Diagnosing Sleep Problems How stress and over-focus on sleep quality worsen insomnia. (00:14:50) Sleep Anxiety & Wearables The psychological downsides of sleep data from tracking devices. (00:16:03) CBT-I & Rethinking Insomnia Mentally reframing sleep with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (00:19:50) Desynchronized Sleep Patterns Studying student sleep patterns to separate circadian vs. sleep effects. (00:22:37) Shift Work & Circadian Misalignment The difficulty of re-aligning circadian clocks in rotating shifts. (00:25:14) Effectiveness of Sleep Medications The various drugs used to promote sleep and their pros and cons. (00:28:34) Circadian “Sleep Cliff” & Melatonin The brain’s “wake zone” before sleep and the limited effects of melatonin. (00:31:41) Do’s & Don’ts for Better Sleep Advice for those who want to improve their sleep quality. (00:33:44) Alcohol and Caffeine Effects How metabolism influences the effects of alcohol and caffeine on sleep. (00:36:13) 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.

Heart disease should be treated just like cancer, says guest Mike McConnell, an author and expert in preventive cardiology at Stanford: Detect and stage early, then treat aggressively. In his practice, McConnell focuses on using low-dose CT imaging for detecting early coronary artery disease. He also helped pioneer the use of AI to infer cardiovascular risk from retinal scans. Such non-invasive, consumer-friendly tools could expand prevention, personalize therapy, and cut heart attacks and strokes across the board, he says. “Everybody also deserves a proactive preventive cardiologist in their phone,” McConnell tells host Russ Altman of the latest approaches to heart disease 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: Michael V. McConnell, MD, MSEE Connect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Michael McConnell, a professor of cardiology at Stanford University. (00:03:02) Reframing Heart Disease Why coronary disease should be approached the same as cancer. (00:05:46) Core Risk Factors The key drivers of cardiovascular disease, and life’s essential eight. (00:07:18) Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring How low-dose CT scanning detects disease before symptoms develop. (00:08:57) The Limits of Stress Testing Why traditional stress tests often miss early coronary disease. (00:10:18) AI in Cardiac Imaging Using AI to identify hidden risks in routine chest scans. (00:11:30) Retinal Imaging How AI analysis of retinal blood vessels can predict heart disease risk. (00:14:55) Detecting Risk Before Symptoms Why retinal and vascular changes occur long before clinical signs appear. (00:15:58) Staging Coronary Disease Using calcium scores to stage coronary disease and personalize treatment. (00:19:36) Direct-to-Consumer Prevention The rise of mobile health records, wearable devices, and AI tools. (00:22:23) Opportunities & System Challenges Balancing accessibility, guideline-based care, and healthcare system capacity. (00:25:26) AI-Powered Health Record Analysis The potential of automated reviews to identify silent risk factors. (00:27:41) Physician Adoption & System Friction Barriers to integrating early detection tools into clinical practice. (00:30:12) Advances in Treatment Overview of current cholesterol therapies and plaque stabilization. (00:33:31) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: prevention, implementation science, and future hopes. (00:35:38) 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.

Psychiatrist Jennifer Derenne specializes in eating disorders. Most eating disorders begin in adolescence, but they can appear much earlier – or later – in life, too. To begin healing, Derenne works with an interdisciplinary team to first stabilize and renourish her patients and uses evidence-based psychotherapy that incorporates strong family involvement. Recent clinical studies are exploring the use of psychedelics to open new avenues for treating these notoriously hard-to-treat illnesses. Eating disorders are a life-threatening medical condition, Derenne asserts, telling host Russ Altman that “food is the best medicine” 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: Jennifer L. Derenne, MDConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Jennifer Derenne, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. (00:03:11) Studying Eating Disorders Jennifer’s path from pediatrics to psychiatry and studying eating disorders. (00:03:44) Types of Eating Disorders A breakdown of the main diagnoses and what distinguishes them. (00:04:59) Who Gets Eating Disorders? The age ranges of those affected and when symptoms first appear. (00:05:46) Disordered Vs. Normal Eating Distinguishing common weight concerns from dangerous dysfunction. (00:07:15) Treating Teen Eating Disorders Why family involvement is crucial and treatment focuses on behaviors. (00:08:56) Genetics & Social Media The different risk factors that can contribute to disordered eating. (00:10:08) Smartphones & Mental Health The impact of smartphones on the development of coping mechanisms. (00:12:32) Transitioning to College Why mental health can destabilize during the move to independence. (00:15:51) Treating Eating Disorders The multidisciplinary approach to treating disordered eating. (00:18:39) Supervision & Safety The importance of supervision and medical follow-ups to help prevent relapse. (00:21:03) AI in Adolescent Psychiatry ​​The pros and cons of AI tools in adolescent mental health support. (00:25:21) The Limits of Medication How medications often target comorbidities rather than the eating disorder itself. (00:27:08) Psychedelics Research Emerging studies on using psychedelics in the treatment of eating disorders. (00:29:47) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: curiosity, treatment optimism, and becoming a book editor. (00:31:48) 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.

Spring is right around the corner and as the weather changes and things begin to bloom, that also means the onset of allergy season. Last fall, we sat down with Tina Sindher who shared that while allergies may be affecting more people worldwide, prevention is playing catch up. If you’re someone or know someone who lives with environmental or food allergies, we hope you’ll tune into this episode to hear some of Tina’s strategies for better managing these conditions. 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: Sayantani (Tina) SindherConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Tina Sindher, a professor of medicine and allergy at Stanford University. (00:01:50) Inside the Immune Response Why our immune systems trigger allergic reactions. (00:03:31) Genes vs. Environment Whether genetics or environment drive allergy risks. (00:06:39) The Microbiome Factor The role of the microbiome and early exposures in prevention. (00:07:51) A Global Allergy Surge How global allergy trends reveal rising health challenges. (00:10:29) Potent Food Triggers Why some foods cause stronger and faster reactions. (00:12:23) Emerging Risks Whether Alpha-Gal signals new emerging allergy risks. (00:14:21) Multi-Food Allergies How multi-food allergies complicate diagnosis and treatment. (00:17:36) Preventing Allergies Early Why early food introduction may help prevent allergies. (00:19:28) Skin’s Role in Allergies The importance of infant skin health in allergy development. (00:22:13) Testing Limitations The limits of current testing methods to truly diagnose allergies. (00:23:47) Standard Testing Procedure The current methodologies deployed when testing for allergies. (00:26:02) New Therapies How new therapies like OIT and Xolair are reshaping treatment. (00:30:24) The Future of Allergies The potential of combined therapies to aid in allergy treatment. (00:33:07) Managing Seasonal Allergies How to manage seasonal allergies effectively at home. (00:35:41) 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.

Chuck Eesley, a professor of management science and engineering, studies entrepreneurship across diverse contexts – from refugee entrepreneurs in Uganda to semiconductor startups navigating U.S.-China economic policy. His research on recent export controls revealed a counterintuitive outcome: Rather than solely strengthening U.S. semiconductor innovation, these policies accelerated Chinese investment in its own domestic chip industry, boosting startups there as much as – or more than – here. This finding underscores how global technology markets are deeply interconnected: Barriers can produce unintended consequences that accelerate innovation abroad rather than protecting it at home. Open technology trade and investment create larger markets for American innovations, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and demonstrate that interconnected markets drive progress for all participants. “Entrepreneurial talent exists everywhere,” Eesley 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: Bonnie Halpern-FelsherHalpern-Felsher REACH Lab | Stanford MedicineConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Chuck Eesley, a professor of management and engineering at Stanford University. (00:03:04) Why Study Entrepreneurship? Chuck explains why entrepreneurs are drivers of modern economic growth. (00:03:30) Defining Entrepreneurship Broad vs. narrow entrepreneurship, from startups to large organizations. (00:04:33) Institutional Environments How policies and culture both shape entrepreneurial outcomes. (00:05:44) Studying Institutions & Entrepreneurship Measuring ​institutional shifts to isolate entrepreneurial outcomes. (00:08:12) Founder & Talent Incentives What’s needed for high-opportunity-cost talent to start companies. (00:09:36) AI Entrepreneurship The impact of data and compute concentration on startup dynamism. (00:11:28) Designing AI Regulation Historical examples of regulation enabling startups to compete fairly. (00:13:43) Incentives Inside Big Tech Why some incumbents support startups while others tilt the playing field. (00:15:28) Ad Placement & Misinformation Funding How digital advertising can unintentionally fund low-credibility content. (00:21:24) Misinformation Market Solution The disclosure mechanisms that may reduce misinformation incentives. (00:25:23) Semiconductors & Entrepreneurship The importance of startups in a field often dominated by large incumbents. (00:29:30) Unintended Policy Effects How U.S. policy may be accelerating Chinese semiconductor investments. (00:31:09) Competing Industrial Policies Why evaluation and iteration are essential for effective policy design. (00:32:31) Global Entrepreneurship Emerging entrepreneurship models spreading across regions and contexts. (00:36:26) The Universal Entrepreneurial Mindset Shared entrepreneurial traits across cultures, contexts, and countries. (00:37:14) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: democratizing entrepreneurship, context, and equitable inclusivity. (00:41:02) 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.

Developmental psychologist Bonnie Halpern-Felsher specializes in teenage health-related decision-making, especially in their use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other substances. Young people, she says, value immediate social benefits over long-term risks. In response, she supports bans on flavored nicotine products and has developed nationally and internationally used evidence-based substance use prevention and intervention programs, including some that are culturally targeted, such as her vaping prevention curriculum in Hawaii zeroing in on popular flavors like mango and poi. The reward, she says, is reduced substance use and better mental health. “Talk to your kids. Don’t lecture. Have a conversation,” Halpern-Felsher tells host Russ Altman of the best way to break through 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: Bonnie Halpern-FelsherHalpern-Felsher REACH Lab | Stanford MedicineConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a developmental psychologist at Stanford University. (00:03:52) Focus on Youth Substance Use Bonnie explains her focus on studying substance behaviors in adolescents. (00:05:32) Current Trends in Youth Health The mixed indicators across behavior and mental health in youth. (00:08:46) Effective Health Communication Why long-horizon risk messaging often underperforms in adolescents. (00:11:16) Policy Translation & Advocacy How Bonnie translates research findings into policy advocacy. (00:13:54) School-Based Prevention Programs An overview of evidence-based curricula and target age groups. (00:15:04) Measuring Program Impact The evaluation approaches and challenges of the prevention programs. (00:16:41) Youth Dependence & Cessation Why addiction develops quickly and the limited treatment options. (00:18:18) Program Adaptation Across Contexts How curricula are localized without redesigning core methods. (00:21:00) Youth-Oriented Product Marketing The strategies used by substance industries to market to youth. (00:23:38) Cannabis Potency & Health Risk The link between higher THC concentrations and medical outcomes. (00:26:48) Patterns of Cannabis Use The common modes of cannabis use and related exposure risks. (00:28:10) Early Exposure & Prevention Needs The reports of substance exposure and use at increasingly early ages. (00:29:10) Guidance for Caregivers Practical guidance for caregivers concerned about substance use. (00:31:23) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: asking for help, substance regulation, and alternate degree. (00:33:37) 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.

As 2026 gets underway we know that many take time around this new beginning to improve not only their physical, but also their mental health. With that in mind, we’re rerunning an episode with Leanne Williams on the future of depression care. Leanne is an expert on clinical depression and is working on new ways to more precisely diagnose depression in order to develop more effective treatment. For anyone who has suffered from depression or knows someone who has, it’s an episode that provides hope for what’s on the horizon. We hope you’ll take another listen and also share this episode with anyone who you think may benefit from the conversation. Episode Reference Links: Leanne WilliamsConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Leanne Williams, a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stanford University. (00:01:43) What Is Depression? Distinguishing clinical depression from everyday sadness. (00:03:31) Current Depression Treatment Challenges The trial-and-error of traditional depression treatments and their timelines. (00:06:16) Brain Mapping and Circuit Dysfunctions Advanced imaging techniques and their role in understanding depression. (00:09:03) Diagnosing with Brain Imaging How brain imaging can complement traditional diagnostic methods in psychiatry. (00:10:22) Depression Biotypes Identifying six distinct biotypes of depression through brain imaging. (00:12:31) Cognitive Features of Depression How cognitive impairment plays a major role in certain depression biotypes. (00:14:11) Matching Treatments to Biotypes Finding appropriate treatments sooner using brain-based diagnostics. (00:15:38) Expanding Treatment Options Personalizing therapies and improving treatment outcomes based on biotypes. (00:19:03) AI in Depression Treatment Using AI to refine biotypes and predict treatment outcomes with greater accuracy. (00:22:15) Psychedelics in Depression Treatment The potential for psychedelic drugs to target specific biotypes of depression. (00:23:46) Expanding the Biotypes Framework Integrating multimodal approaches into the biotype framework. (00:27:29) Reducing Stigma in Depression How showing patients their brain imaging results reduces self-blame and stigma. (00:29:38) 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.

Pediatrician Yair Bannett studies and treats ADHD in preschool-age children. His interests stem from watching too many families struggle to understand their child’s behavior. He now focuses on improving frontline care using artificial intelligence to analyze electronic health records. One recent study explored whether doctors are making appropriate non-drug interventions before choosing to medicate children. Through his research, he hopes to raise the standard of ADHD care for thousands – and perhaps millions – of children. Early diagnosis and better care can prevent later problems, Bannett tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast. Episode Reference Links: Yair BannettConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Yair Bannett, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at Stanford University. (00:03:44) Why Study ADHD Yair’s path from primary care pediatrics to ADHD research. (00:04:32) Understanding ADHD The core symptoms and diagnostic criteria for ADHD. (00:05:57) Diagnosing ADHD in Youth Why diagnosis is challenging and relies on clinical judgment. (00:08:21) Known Causes of ADHD What is known about biological origins and environmental influence. (00:10:08) Geographic and Cultural Differences The variations in ADHD prevalence across regions and populations. (00:11:37) ADHD Across Countries Prevalence of ADHD globally and challenges with monitoring diagnosis. (00:12:23) Natural History of Untreated ADHD The lifelong persistence of ADHD and associated risks when untreated. (00:14:28) ADHD Diagnosis in Adults The challenges in identifying and diagnosing ADHD later in life. (00:16:27) ADHD Treatments An overview of the two treatment interventions used to treat ADHD. (00:18:16) Stimulant Medications The effectiveness and long-term benefits of stimulant treatments. (00:21:30) Non-Stimulant Medications When and why alternative medications for ADHD are used. (00:22:31) Non-pharmacological Interventions The alternative interventions used outside pharmacological treatments. (00:23:18) Reducing Household Chaos Strategies for structure and behavior management within the home. (00:24:55) Measuring Quality of ADHD Care Using electronic health records and AI to improve treatment. (00:28:10) Importance of Early Diagnosis The benefits of identifying ADHD before school entry. (00:29:29) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: applying AI, collaboration, and theatre dreams. (00:31:55) 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.

Physician-scientist Randall Stafford studies the effects of alcohol use on population health – the true health impact, he emphasizes. Stafford explains how early research suggested that drinking is beneficial – or at least not bad – for people. That mindset produced decades of wishful thinking based on inconsistent science driven by social, emotional, and industry forces. The small cardiovascular benefits, he says, are far outweighed by the risks of cancer, liver disease, depression, and other ills. Although the harms of low-level consumption are small, there is no safe level of alcohol use, Stafford 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: Randall StaffordConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Randall Stafford, a professor of medicine at Stanford University. (00:03:35) Challenges in Alcohol Research Why cultural norms and study limitations complicate evidence. (00:03:56) Historical Perspectives on Drinking How early studies suggested benefits and why those conclusions shifted. (00:09:12) Risk, Dose, and Drinking Patterns The increased risks with binge drinking and higher doses of alcohol. (00:12:15) Health Benefits vs. Lifestyle Enjoyment Clarifying what alcohol does—and does not—provide medically. (00:13:37) Alcohol and Mental Health The bidirectional effects between alcohol use and mental health. (00:17:37) Broader Mental and Social Effects Alcohol’s connection to bipolar disorder, unemployment, and social harm. (00:20:12) How Alcohol Myths Persist Why simplified conclusions endured despite contradictory data. (00:22:46) Changing Cultural Attitudes Cultural trends toward reduced drinking and alcohol-free periods. (00:25:49) Alcohol and Liver Disease The effects of alcohol beyond heavy use, including metabolic disease. (00:27:29) Strategies to Reduce Harm Way to reduce alcohol consumption and avoid binge drinking. (00:29:25) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: avoiding alcohol, research needs, and studying liver disease. (00:31:04) 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.

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: Szu-chi HuangConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces Szu-chi Huang, a professor of Marketing at Stanford GSB. (00:02:13) Studying Motivation Szu-chi shares what led her to study motivational science. (00:02:45) Defining Motivation Motivation as the drive to close the gap between current and ideal self. (00:03:39) The Science of Motivation Studying motivation through behavioral and neurological data. (00:04:30) Why It Matters in Business How motivation science applies to leaders, teams, and customers. (00:05:21) The Motivation Framework The strategies needed in order to stay motivated over time. (00:06:24) Journey vs. Destination Mindset The different mindsets needed throughout the stages of motivation. (00:08:03) Motivating Kids to Choose Healthy Collaborating with UNICEF to study what motivates children. (00:09:37) Gamified Coupons in Panama A study using gamified coupons to influence children's food choices. (00:13:08) Loyalty Programs as Motivation How customer reward programs act as structured goal journeys. (00:15:29) Progress Versus Purpose The different incentives needed in each stage of loyalty programs. (00:17:11) Retirement Saving Lessons How financial institutions apply motivational science to long-term goals. (00:19:54) Motivation in Social Context The role of social connections in goal pursuit and sustaining motivation. (00:21:20) Support vs. Competition in Shared Goals The benefits and drawbacks of sharing goal journeys with others. (00:24:52) Designing Apps for Motivation How redesigning user interfaces can help users stay motivated. (00:26:02) AI as a Motivation Coach Using AI to personalize feedback across all stages of goal pursuit. (00:28:50) Starting and Sustaining a Goal Practical strategies for launching and sustaining a goal. (00:30:59) 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.

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 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.

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: James LandayConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (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.

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: Paula V. WelanderConnect With Us: The Future of Everything WebsiteThreadsBlueskyMastodonTwitter/XInstagramLinkedInFacebookChapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Paula Welander, a professor of Earth Science at Stanford University. (00:04:06) Why Study Microbial Lipids Why lipids are essential for modern microbiology and Earth’s history. (00:05:19) Diversity of Microbial Membranes How bacteria and Archaea build different kinds of membranes. (00:07:15) Reconstructing Ancient Environments Using specific lipid biomarkers to understand the early planet. (00:09:20) Chemical Fossils vs. Organism Fossils Why microbes don’t leave traditional fossils—but their lipids do. (00:10:55) Lipids as Environmental Clues How certain lipids indicate the environments organisms lived in. (00:12:36) Archaea: A Distinct and Ancient Entity Archaea’s evolutionary importance and chemically distinct membranes. (00:15:43) The Lipid Divide Why eukaryotic membranes resemble bacterial, not Archaeal, membranes. (00:17:12) Tracing Membrane Evolution Recent breakthroughs in studying Archaeal lineages related to eukaryotes. (00:19:11) Lipid Preservation Over Time How archaeal lipids are especially reliable as long-term biomarkers. (00:20:58) Sterols as Biomarkers The role sterols, including cholesterol, play in lipid archeology. (00:23:14) Bacterial Cholesterol Discovery The discovery that a rare bacteria can synthesize sterol precursors. (00:25:02) Functional Roles of Bacterial Sterols The possible roles sterols may play in microbial membranes and cell function. (00:26:31) Archaea in the Human Gut The number and types of Archaea found in the human microbiome. (00:28:43) Archaea and Antibiotics Whether Archaea react similarly to bacteria when exposed to antibiotics. (00:29:46) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: hope, research needs, and alternate career dreams. (00:31:43) 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.