The Future of Everything

• The future of learning to read

  Jason Yeatman is an expert in the neurobiology of literacy whose lab is fostering a virtuous research cycle between academia and school communities, aligning scientific inquiry with real-world needs of students, parents, and educators. His lab has developed ROAR – the Rapid Online Assessment of Reading—a gamified, web-based dyslexia screening tool. ROAR provides fast, precise, and scalable assessments, helping educators identify and get support to struggling students. We’re aligning cutting-edge reading science with the challenges teachers face every day, Yeatman tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Listen to the end to hear a question from one of our listeners for Professor Renee Zhao, as well as Professor Zhao's response. 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 [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Jason YeatmanRapid Online Assessment of Reading (ROAR)Jason and his team just launched ROAR@Home BETA, a parent research portal. Any parent who listens can sign up for ROAR here - https://roar.stanford.edu/signup/Connect 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 Jason Yeatman, a professor of pediatrics education and psychology at Stanford University.(00:03:12) Why Reading?Why Jason dedicated his career to studying reading acquisition.(00:04:12) Are We Built to Read?How reading is a relatively new invention using older brain systems.(00:06:41) Reading as a ContinuumWhether reading ability is distributed like other genetic human traits.(00:07:53) Defining DyslexiaReframing dyslexia as a label for support, not a binary diagnosis.(00:10:19) Phonological AwarenessUnderstanding how speech sound recognition underpins reading.(00:13:37) Nature vs. NurtureThe influence of both genetics and environment in reading ability.(00:16:40) The Origin of ROARAn online reading assessment tool created during the pandemic.(00:19:06) ROAR’s EffectivenessThe accuracy in which ROAR can assess reading capability.(00:22:45) Reading Interventions That WorkExpanding support with evidence-based interventions for all ages.(00:25:25) Personalized DiagnosesTailoring interventions based on detailed individual skill diagnostics.(00:26:36) Scaling ROARScaling ROAR via an academic research-practice partnership model.(00:29:34) Infrastructure Behind ROARThe team and technology required to scale ROAR in schools.(00:31:54) Future of Reading AssessmentExpanding ROAR to include other dimensions of reading development.(00:33:44) Reading Across LanguagesWhy English poses more reading difficulties than many languages.(00:35:34) Listener Q&ANew segment answering audience questions from past episodes.(00:37:46) 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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  38:31
• The future of sleep

  Neurobiologist Jamie Zeitzer is an expert on sleep – or, more accurately, an expert on why so many can’t sleep. He notes that, ironically, it’s often anxiety about sleep that prevents good sleep. In short, we lose sleep over lost sleep. Wearables and other tools can help but only to a point, and medications do not induce natural sleep. Instead, he counsels consistent routines, less stimulation at bedtime, and cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce worry about insomnia. Unfortunately, you can’t work harder to get better sleep – you have to learn to relax, Zeitzer 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 [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Jamie ZeitzerConnect 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 Jamie Zeitzer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University.(00:03:12) Understanding Circadian RhythmsHow the biological clock regulates sleep and other body functions.(00:04:57) The Mystery of Sleep’s PurposeWhat is still unknown about the fundamental need for sleep.(00:06:00) Light and the Circadian ClockThe impact light exposure has on the body’s internal sleep timing.(00:08:13) Day and Night Light ContrastThe importance of creating a light-dark contrast for healthy rhythms.(00:11:18) Phones, Screens, and the Blue LightWhether blue light from screen use affects sleep quality.(00:13:49) Defining and Diagnosing Sleep ProblemsHow stress and over-focus on sleep quality worsen insomnia.(00:16:02) Sleep Anxiety and WearablesThe psychological downsides of sleep data from tracking devices.(00:17:14) CBT-I and Rethinking InsomniaMentally reframing sleep with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.(00:21:21) Desynchronized Sleep PatternsStudying student sleep patterns to separate circadian vs. sleep effects.(00:23:49) Shift Work and Circadian MisalignmentThe difficulty of re-aligning circadian clocks in rotating shifts.(00:26:26) Effectiveness of Sleep MedicationsThe various drugs used to promote sleep and their pros and cons.(00:29:46) Circadian “Sleep Cliff” and MelatoninThe brain’s “wake zone” before sleep and the limited effects of melatonin.(00:32:52) Do’s & Don’ts for Better SleepAdvice for those looking to improve their sleep quality.(00:34:55) Alcohol and Caffeine EffectsHow metabolism influences the effects of alcohol and caffeine on sleep.(00:37:24) 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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  38:13
• The future of geriatric care

  Deborah Kado is a geriatrician who believes her field is misunderstood. Her interest in the science of aging began with a childhood encounter in a nursing home but recently resulted in intriguing work in which Kado linked microbes in the gut to vitamin D metabolism and poor sleep. Kado refuses to blame aging alone for health problems, advocating for better care regardless of age. It’s never too late to strive for better health, Kado 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 [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Deborah KadoConnect 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 Deborah Kado, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Stanford University.(00:03:22) Origin Story in GeriatricsHow a childhood encounter led to Deborah’s career in geriatrics.(00:06:04) Geriatrics vs. GerontologyThe clinical and research distinctions between the two related fields.(00:06:58) Rethinking AgingReframing aging as a lifelong process rather than decline and loss.(00:08:34) Patient Care ApproachWhy symptoms should be investigated, not dismissed as inevitable aging.(00:11:33) Linking Bone Health, Gut, and BrainThe surprising relationship between microbiomes, bones, and cognition.(00:14:34) Vitamin D: Storage vs. Active FormWhy only the active form of vitamin D correlates with microbiome health.(00:17:22) Gut Health and SleepHow better sleep quality is linked to healthier microbiomes.(00:21:20) Medical Education & Geriatric TrainingThe shortage of geriatrics training in U.S. medical schools.(00:23:08) Measuring Geriatric KnowledgeThe challenges and efforts to measure student knowledge about aging.(00:27:24) Takeaways for Medical ProfessionalsTwo anecdotes where symptoms were misattributed to old age.(00:30:51) Empowering Aging PatientsAdvice to aging individuals: agency, purpose, and not settling for less care.(00:34:02) 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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  34:49
• Best of: The future of educational technology

  It's teacher appreciation week and along with schools across the country, we here at The Future of Everything want to send out a heartfelt thank you to the teachers who make a difference every day in the lives of our children and in society as a whole. In light of this, we’re re-running an education related episode, and more specifically one on the future of educational technology with the Dean of the Stanford School of Education, Dan Schwartz. Dan is exploring effective ways to use AI in the classroom to support teachers–not to replace them–and to enhance student learning. We hope you’ll take a moment to tune in again and enjoy.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 [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Daniel SchwartzConnect 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) IntroductionHost Russ Altman introduces guest Dan Schwartz, Dean of the School of Education at Stanford University.(00:01:44) The Role of AI in Modern EducationThe widespread reactions and implications of AI in education.(00:02:59) Technology in the ClassroomThe historical and evolving relationship between technology and education.(00:04:51) Engaging Students with AIHow AI can enhance engagement through innovative teaching.(00:07:45) Impact of AI on Student LearningThe balance between AI tools and maintaining educational standards.(00:13:21) Challenges with EdTech CollaborationConcerns about industry prioritizing speed over creativity in learning tools.(00:15:23) Teachers Adapting to AIThe role of teachers in effectively integrating AI into the classroom.(00:18:21) Assessment and Grading with AIThe potential and concerns of using AI for educational assessment(00:22:16) AI and Conceptual UnderstandingHow AI can shift focus from task completion to true understanding.(00:24:49) Physical Activity and LearningThe connection between physical activity and improved learning outcomes.(00:28:59) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

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  29:44
• The future of children’s health

  Lisa Patel is a pediatrician and an expert in environmental health who says that pollution is taking an increasing toll on children’s health. Pollution from wildfires, fossil fuels, and plastics can cause asthma, pneumonia, and risks dementia in the long-term. But, she says, all hope is not lost. Solutions range from DIY air filters to choosing induction stoves over gas, cutting down on meat consumption and plastics use, and pursuing clean energy, among other strategies. If we all take local action, we can solve this problem globally, Patel 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 [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Lisa PatelConnect 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 Lisa Patel, a professor of pediatrics at Stanford University.(00:03:39) Climate Advocacy JourneyThe personal events that drove Lisa’s focus to environmental health.(00:04:53) Fossil Fuels and Clean Air ActHow fossil fuels and weakened regulations harm public health.(00:07:20 Long-Term Health ImpactsLinks between pollution to asthma, cancer, and early Alzheimer’s.(00:10:12) Air Quality Guidance for FamiliesAdvising parents on air quality monitoring and precautions.(00:13:04) Indoor Cooking and Gas PollutionHow pollution from gas stoves impacts indoor air quality.(00:14:37) Lead in Water and Health RisksCurrent issues with lead exposure in water for children.(00:16:24) Microplastics and Early Health DamageEvidence showing widespread microplastics are harmful to health.(00:19:12) Clean Energy Progress and SetbacksBenefits of renewable energy and dangers of policy rollback.(00:21:22) Active Transport and Better AirThe environmental impact of increasing public transit.(00:22:44) Benefits of Electric VehiclesHow electric vehicles are linked to cleaner air and healthier kids.(00:23:51) Plant-Forward Diets for HealthWhether plant-forward diets aid personal and planetary health.(00:25:33) Kids Leading Dietary ChangesChildren’s reactions and adaptations to plant-forward diets.(00:28:12) Taking Local ActionThe local actions that can offer real solutions for change.(00:31:01) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

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  31:47

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