The Future of Everything

• The future of hearing loss

  Physician Tina Stankovic is an ear, nose, and throat specialist and a lover of music whose seemingly disparate pursuits — medicine and music — have led her to a groundbreaking career in hearing research. She recently worked with music legend Paul Simon during his well-publicized battle with hearing loss and he has become a vocal advocate for hearing research. New understandings and new approaches like regenerative medicine have put the once-impossible dream of hearing restoration within reach, Stankovic 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: Konstantina M. StankovicStanford Researchers Assist Paul Simon with his Return to the StageInside the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss: Cutting-Edge Science and InnovationConnect 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 Stankovic, a professor of otolaryngology and neurosurgery at Stanford University.(00:03:36) Why Hearing LossWhat inspired Tina’s lifelong journey into hearing science.(00:04:17) Treating Hearing LossLimits of current options and lack of FDA-approved therapies.(00:05:23) Causes of Hearing LossThe two main categories of hearing loss: conductive vs. sensorineural.(00:07:47) Inside the Inner EarThe complexity of the inner ear, and why diagnosis is so difficult.(00:09:22) Tinnitus & Hearing LossWhy ear damage can cause phantom sounds in the brain.(00:10:28) Emerging Technologies in Hearing ResearchNew technologies that are evolving treatment approaches.(00:15:19) Recreating the Ear in the LabChallenges the inner ear’s unique composition pose to researchers.(00:20:02) AI Applications in Hearing DiagnosisThe ways AI is transforming diagnosis and genetic analysis.(00:21:31) Can Ears Regrow?Why humans don’t regenerate ear cells—but mice might help.(00:23:55) Emotional & Social Toll of Hearing LossHow hearing loss can lead to isolation, stigma, and cognitive decline.(00:26:06) Born Deaf vs. Later Hearing LossExperiential differences between those with early and late hearing loss.(00:27:52) Paul Simon’s Role and AdvocacyHow the artist got involved with Tina’s work and the initiative at Stanford.(00:29:44) Protecting Your HearingBest practices for protecting your hearing.(00:33:21) 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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• The future of live performance

  Michael Rau is a professor, theater director, and tech innovator in one. He says that today’s technologies – AI, gaming, interactive storytelling, and even email – are reshaping what performers can do on stage and how audiences experience those performances. The best of the stage has always been about reflecting life, and technology is part of how we live today. It belongs on the stage, as Rau tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Michael RauConnect 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 Michael Rau, a professor of theatre and performance studies at Stanford University.(00:03:16) Why Theater Needs TechnologyHow AI and digital media are reshaping live performance.(00:05:15) AI & Emerging Theater TechAI scripts, machine learning, AR, and interactive storytelling.(00:07:28) Theater as FoodHow both classic and experimental theatre styles can coexist.(00:10:13) The Relationship Between Theater & GamingTheatrical storytelling and its deep connection to gaming.(00:14:40) The Debate on LivenessWhether live actors are necessary to theatre performances.(00:20:2) Temping: A Play Without ActorsRau’s theatrical piece where the audience becomes the protagonist.(00:25:38) AI’s Role in TheaterAI-generated visuals and scripts reshape storytelling and performance.(00:30:44) AI-Driven ImprovAI-driven improv requires new skills, blending structure with spontaneity.(00:33:44) Should Audiences Know AI Is Involved?How transparency increases audience engagement and appreciation(00:35:30) 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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  36:13
• Best of: The future of culture

  We've been thinking a lot about culture recently, and reflecting on how–whether or not we’re aware of it–culture is a force that’s always exerting influence on us. It’s typically only when we get outside of our daily routine, our city or even our country, and are confronted with new ways of doing things that we can clearly see the values, norms, and practices that make up the culture we live in. Today, we’re re-running a thought-provoking conversation we had with Michele Gelfand about notions of what she calls “tight” and “loose” cultures. It’s a conversation that helps illuminate some of the invisible forces of culture, and also sheds light on how understanding these forces helps us better navigate the world. We hope you’ll take another listen 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 quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Michele Gelfand Mindset QuizConnect 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 Michele Gelfand, a professor of psychology and business studies at Stanford University.(00:02:22) What is Culture?Defining culture as a set of norms, values, and beliefs.(00:03:36) The Tight-Loose ContinuumTight versus loose cultures and their enforcement of social norms.(00:06:20) Individual vs Societal Tight-LooseThe differences in tight-loose orientation across individuals and nations.(00:08:25) Tight-Loose Across Societal LevelsHow history, ecology, and mobility shape cultural tightness or looseness.(00:11:25) Cultural Intelligence (CQ)The role of cultural intelligence in negotiations and leadership.(00:16:21) Tight-Loose in Personal & Professional LifeNegotiating cultural differences in relationships and organizations.(00:19:53) Cultural Evolutionary MismatchCultural responses to crises and the influence of perceived vs. real threats.(00:23:45) Tight-Loose Differences in BusinessCultural differences in mergers, acquisitions, and financial performance.(00:25:58) Improving Cultural IntelligenceWhether individuals can improve their CQ through practice and exposure.(00:28:37) Tight-Loose in PoliticsThe growing tight-loose divide in political and social issues.(00:31:09) 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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  31:53
• The future of electronic materials

  We are on the cusp of a materials revolution – in electronics, health care, and avionics – says guest engineer-scientist Eric Pop. For instance, silicon and copper have served electronics admirably for decades, he says, but at the nanoscale, better materials will be needed. Atomically thin two-dimensional semiconductors (like molybdenum disulfide) and topological semimetals (like niobium phosphide) are two candidates, but with AI tools to design new materials, the future is going to be really interesting, Pop tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Eric PopConnect 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 introduces guest Eric Pop, a professor of electrical engineering and materials science at Stanford University(00:02:59) The Status of Electronics TodayThe stability of silicon and copper and the challenges with miniaturization.(00:06:25) Limits of Current MaterialsHow miniaturization has increased speed but also created new bottlenecks.(00:10:29) Universal MemoryThe need for faster, non-volatile memory that integrates directly with the CPU.(00:14:57) The Search for Next-Gen MaterialsExploring better materials for chips, from silicon to copper alternatives.(00:17:54) Challenges of Copper at NanoscaleIssues with copper at the nanoscale and the potential of niobium phosphate.(00:24:46) Two-Dimensional SemiconductorsThe potential of carbon nanotubes and 2D materials as replacements for silicon.(00:29:47) Nanoelectronics and ManufacturingThe shift to 2D materials and the challenges in scaling up production(00:32:34) AI in Material DiscoveryAI’s potential in discovering and manufacturing new materials.(00:34:56) 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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  35:42
• The future of liquid biopsy

  Physician Ash Alizadeh has seen the future of disease diagnosis and monitoring. It is coursing through every patient’s veins. Traditionally, biopsies have required invasively gathering tissue – from a lung, a liver, or a fetus. Now it’s possible to look for disease without surgery. The DNA is sitting there in the bloodstream, Alizadeh tells host Russ Altman, as they preview the age of liquid biopsies on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Ash A. Alizadeh, MD/PhDConnect 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 Ash Alizadeh, a faculty member at Stanford University in Oncology and Medicine.(00:03:39) What is a Liquid Biopsy?Accessing tissues non-invasively using bodily fluids.(00:04:31) Detecting Cancer with Liquid BiopsiesHow localized cancers can be detected through blood samples.(00:06:32) The Science Behind Cancer DNA DetectionThe differences between normal and cancer DNA(00:09:51) How Liquid Biopsy Technology WorksThe technologies behind detecting cancer-related DNA differences.(00:12:36) Advances in Liquid BiopsyNew detection approaches using non-mutant molecules and RNA.(00:14:10) RNA as a Real-Time Tumor MarkerHow RNA reveals active tumor processes and drug resistance.(00:15:55) Tracking Cancer ReccurenceUsing tumor-informed panels to monitor cancer recurrence.(00:16:28)  Adapting to Tumor EvolutionWhy core mutations remain detectable despite cancer changes.(00:17:57) Stability of DNA, RNA, and MethylationComparing durability and reliability of different biomarkers.(00:20:49) Listener Question: Early Cancer DetectionDaniel Kim asks about pre-cancer detection and its potential impact.(00:24:44) Liquid Biopsy in ImmunotherapyUsing liquid biopsy to track and improve immune-based treatments.(00:27:35) Monitoring CAR T-Cell TherapyHow liquid biopsy helps assess immune cell expansion.(00:32:02) EPIC-Seq: Inferring RNA from DNAUsing DNA fragmentation to predict gene expression in tumors.(00:34:49) Targeting Tumor Support SystemsTreatment strategies disrupting the tumor microenvironment.(00:35:52) 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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