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by Stanford Engineering
Host Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine at Stanford, is your guide to the latest science and engineering breakthroughs. Join Russ and his guests as they explore cutting-edge advances that are shaping the future of everything from AI to health and renewable energy. Along the way, “The Future of Everything” delves into ethical implications to give listeners a well-rounded understanding of how new technologies and discoveries will impact society. Whether you’re a researcher, a student, or simply curious about what’s on the horizon, stay up-to-date on the latest developments that are transforming our world.
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Live from the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute 2026 Symposium, and in partnership with the institute’s podcast From Our Neurons to Yours, host Russ Altman talks with brain development researchers Karen Parker and Jason Yeatman. Parker studies autism at the molecular level, translating those findings to clinical trials. Yeatman studies dyslexia, deploying assessment tools to 1.2 million students at nearly 3,000 schools. While their individual work is different in approach, the conversation sheds light on the similar obstacles both face in turning scientific discovery into real-world impact. Their mutual takeaway is that scientific breakthroughs are increasingly the work of diverse teams, not lone investigators. “The magic happens at the interdisciplinary boundaries,” Parker tells 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:Learn more about Karen & Jason's work lab: Parker Lab | Yeatman LabListen to Jason’s Episode: The Future of Learning to ReadYou can also listen to this episode on the podcast, From Our Neurons to Yours. We created this show in collaboration with their team.Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guests Karen Parker, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and comparative medicine, and Jason Yeatman, a professor of pediatrics and education at Stanford University. Connecting Molecules to BehaviorHow interdisciplinary teams can connect biology, behavior, and clinical outcomes. From Research to EducationWhy education lacks the research-to-practice infrastructure found in medicine. Testing What Works in SchoolsThe challenges of bringing stronger scientific evidence into education. Bridging Neuroscience and PsychologyWhy better infrastructure is needed to connect brain science and psychology. Building Better CollaborationsHow competing incentives can complicate interdisciplinary partnerships. Training Scientists to CollaborateWhy academic incentives can make collaboration harder for early-career researchers. Working Across DisciplinesHow different specialties can work together to study brain development. Partnering with SchoolsWhy successful school partnerships start with addressing real needs. Research That Matters in PracticeHow school partnerships can shape more relevant scientific questions. Building Research NetworksThe challenge of connecting schools and districts through shared research infrastructure. Studying Brain Development in ChildrenThe challenges of studying developing brains, especially in children with neurodivergence.
In her research, Madalina Vlasceanu explores the psychology of sustainability. She’s keenly interested in how people form beliefs and what motivates them to action. Her research shows that the erosion of institutional trust is an intentional tactic and that climate polarization is manufactured by fossil fuel interests to drive disengagement. Vlasceanu offers evidence-based recommendations for turning despair into action. Concern for future generations is an effective strategy for generating policy support, she says, while restoring trust in institutions is key to action. Climate change is a collective problem and we must address it collectively, Vlasceanu 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: Madalina VlasceanuConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Madalina Vlasceanu, a professor of environmental social science and organizational behavior at Stanford University. Studying Climate BeliefsHow Vlasceanu moved from memory research to studying misinformation, belief formation, and climate action. Climate Misinformation and DisinformationThe large amount of false information shared both unintentionally and deliberately to mislead. The Polarization of Climate BeliefsHow climate change shifted from a relatively nonpartisan issue to one strongly shaped by political identity and elite influence. How Groups Shape BeliefsWhy people form beliefs not only through evidence and reasoning, but also through social cues, identity, and the desire to belong. Individual vs. Collective Climate ActionHow climate solutions range from personal lifestyle changes to collective action and system-level change. Misjudging Climate ImpactWhy people tend to overestimate low-impact actions like recycling and underestimate higher-impact choices. Correcting Climate MisperceptionsHow simple information can help people better understand which climate actions have the greatest impact. Prediction and LearningWhy prediction errors can strengthen learning, memory, and belief updating. Algorithms, AI, and Climate BeliefsHow online systems can amplify misinformation and existing biases—and how better policy could potentially redirect them. AI’s Climate ImpactHow AI affects the climate not only through data centers, but also by increasing efficiency across existing energy industries. Collective Action’s ImpactThe difficulty of quantifying the impact and the power of collective action Motivating Civic EngagementHow contacting representatives, voting, joining organizations, and participating locally can influence climate policy. What Motivates Climate Action?Large-scale studies compare interventions to identify which psychological strategies work best. Extreme Weather and Climate BeliefsWhy experiencing a natural disaster does not necessarily change climate beliefs unless people connect the event to climate change. Future In a Minute
New York Fashion Week wrapped up last month, but the questions it raises don't go away once the runways come down: why do clothes carry so much meaning, and who really gets to decide what "professional" looks like? Today we’re re-releasing a conversation I had with Stanford law professor Richard Ford, who's spent his career studying the surprising legal history behind our clothes — from laws in the Middle Ages that dictated what you could wear based on rank, to modern fights over workplace hairstyles and school dress codes. We get into how dress codes have shaped the fight for civil rights, and why so many workers in Silicon Valley wear the exact same fleece vest. Whether your closet is full of statement pieces or you’ve been wearing the same shirt on repeat all week, we hope you’ll take another listen to this interesting conversation.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: Rich FordConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: IntroductionRuss Altman introduces this re-release with Richard Ford, a professor of law at Stanford University, on the history, meaning, and power of dress codes. Why Study Dress Codes?How civil rights, constitutional law, workplace rules, and school policies led Ford to study fashion and dress codes. The Origins of Dress CodesHow fashion emerged in the late Middle Ages and sumptuary laws regulated clothing by social rank. Written and Unwritten RulesHow formal dress codes gave way to powerful social expectations about what people should wear. Fashion and Self-ExpressionHow people, especially young people, find ways to express themselves even within strict dress codes. The Great Masculine RenunciationHow men’s fashion shifted toward sober, practical clothing as political and social values changed. Dress Codes and Social ControlHow rules about clothing can reinforce hierarchy while also inspiring resistance and social change. Hair as Fashion and IdentityHow hairstyles have reflected class, professionalism, gender, and cultural identity across history. Dress Codes and Civil RightsHow clothing and hairstyles became tools of protest, respectability, and racial identity during the civil rights era. Clothing, Race, and RespectHow Ford’s father shaped his understanding of dress as a way to express self-respect and command respect from others. Reverse SnobberyWhy dressing down can sometimes signal higher status in academia, Silicon Valley, and other elite environments. Gender and FashionHow clothing expectations have historically constrained women and reinforced ideas about gender. The Midtown UniformWhy workers can converge on an unofficial uniform even after formal workplace dress codes disappear. The Case for UniformsHow uniforms can reduce status competition while creating tension with self-expression. The Future of Dress CodesWhy self-expression through clothing is unlikely to disappear even as fashion be
Nir Halevy, an expert on organizational behavior, first grew interested in social hierarchies as a basketball fan. He now studies what makes for healthy workplaces. Organizational hierarchies can be beneficial, but can turn toxic. When people have power without status – control but little respect – conflict often follows. Halevy says that collaboration, not competition, is key to employee well-being. “If you care about freedom, seek cooperative environments. They will liberate you,” Halevy tells listeners – and 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: Nir HalevyLearn more about Nir’s Book ‘Level Up’Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest Nir Halevy, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford Graduate School of Business, and the dynamics of power, status, and hierarchy. Studying Social InfluenceHow Halevy became interested in the ways people gain influence in groups, teams, and organizations. What Is a Hierarchy?How formal and informal hierarchies emerge around power, status, achievement, and influence. Why Hierarchies Are StickyThe Positive and negative forces that contribute to the persistence of hierarchies Navigating HierarchiesHow people lower in a hierarchy can influence others without resorting to manipulation or undermining colleagues. Power vs. StatusWhy having control over resources is different from being respected and admired. The Danger of Power Without StatusHow low status combined with power can fuel resentment, conflict, and abuse of authority. Respect and RecognitionWhy giving people dignity, appreciation, and status can matter as much as giving them more power. Autonomy at WorkHow cooperation and competition shape people’s sense of freedom and control in the workplace. Secrets at WorkHow workplace secrecy can increase stress and loneliness while also making work feel more meaningful and important. Supporting People in Confidential WorkWhy social support can help reduce the isolation that comes with confidential work. Three Dimensions of WellbeingHow happiness, interestingness, and meaningfulness can each shape the experience of work. A Pluralistic Approach to LeadershipWhy recognizing different ways people contribute can help leaders support status, value, and wellbeing. Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: cooperation, work-life balance, research partnerships, and hope for the future. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >&
Hi everyone, we had big news out of Stanford this week: Karl Deisseroth has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries leading to optogenetics, a technique that makes it possible to switch individual nerve cells on or off in the living brain. To celebrate, we're re-releasing a live conversation Russ had with Karl a few years ago. He's both a bioengineer and a practicing psychiatrist, and he tells me how he built a way to control brain cells with light, why the odds were stacked against it, and how it could open the door to better treatments for psychiatric disorders. We also talk about his book Projections and what it takes to turn a long-shot idea into a tool that changes neuroscience. Congratulations, Karl, on an honor so well deserved. Whether this is your first listen or your second, it's one worth hearing.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: Karl DeisserothLearn more about Karl's Nobel Prize winLearn more about OptogeneticsReactions to Karl's Nobel Win Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Karl Deisseroth, a professor of bioengineering, psychiatry, and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. Technology and DiscoveryWhy Deisseroth sees technology development and basic neuroscience as inseparable. What Is Optogenetics?How light can be used to precisely turn specific cells in the brain on or off. Turning an Idea into a ToolThe process that led to optogenetics Microbial OpsinsHow light-sensitive proteins from microorganisms became the foundation for controlling neurons with light. Optogenetics in HumansHow optogenetics has already been used to restore limited vision, and what that suggests for future therapies. Psychiatry and the LabHow Deisseroth’s work with patients shapes the scientific questions his lab pursues. The Most Pressing Questions in Neuroscience TodayWhy identifying the brain’s many cell types became a central goal of the BRAIN Initiative. Correlation vs. CausalityWhy understanding which neurons actually drive behavior requires more than simply observing brain activity. Controlling Brain NetworksHow researchers are beginning to study and manipulate multiple brain regions with precise timing. The Need for Neuroscience TheoryWhy better technology creates a growing need for theories that can guide which neural circuits to study. Writing ProjectionsWhy Deisseroth wrote about the inner worlds of psychiatric patients alongside the science of the brain. Capturing Patients’ Inner WorldsHow feedback from people with psychiatric disorders s
Clinical psychologist James Gross is fascinated by what emotions are, and he champions emotional literacy – a deeper understanding of what makes each of us tick. In his research, Gross explores his “favorite topic,” emotion regulation, through the cognitive strategy of reappraisal to shift how we perceive and deal with unhelpful emotions. He talks about the Synergistic Mindsets intervention he co-developed, which is helping Gen Zers reframe their stress and regulate emotions. Emotions aren’t inherently bad, but we must separate the helpful from the harmful, Gross 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: James GrossConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: IntroductionRuss Altman introduces guest James Gross, a professor of psychology and philosophy at Stanford University, and the science of understanding and regulating emotions. Why Study Emotions?How Gross became interested in emotions and their role in shaping human behavior. What Is an Emotion?How scientists define emotions as coordinated responses to situations that matter to us. Affect and EmotionHow affect differs from emotion, and why emotions may require more complex cognitive processing. Emotional ClarityHow recognizing what we feel and where those feelings come from can help us understand our emotions. Emotion RegulationWhy regulating emotions is less about suppressing them and more about deciding when they are helpful. Strategies for RegulationHow different approaches to emotion regulation work—and why some are more effective than others. How Emotions Are GeneratedHow situations, attention, expectations, and goals combine to produce emotional responses. ReappraisalHow changing the way we interpret a situation can change the emotions it produces. AI and Emotional SupportHow large language models could potentially support people in reframing difficult experiences. Emotions in Everyday LifeHow emotion regulation research can support parents, teachers, patients, and healthcare providers. Young People and Mental HealthHow emotional clarity and regulation may help explain and address challenges facing younger generations. Understanding the Sources of StressWhy social media, isolation, economic pressures, and other factors can shape young people’s emotional lives. Synergistic MindsetsHow changing beliefs about challenges and stress can produce healthier emotional and physiological responses. What Makes You Tick?How a Stanford course helps students examine the forces shaping their behavior, emotions, and decisions. Emotional IntelligenceWhy Gross sees value in emotion regulation while questioning whether “EQ” is scientifically established as a single intelligence. Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: emotions, passion, & affective science.
About a year ago, the Future of Everything team was in New York taping a special episode on the innovation economy in front of a live audience, and today we're re-releasing it. We sat down with computer scientist Fei-Fei Li and economists Susan Athey and Neale Mahoney to dig into how AI is reshaping creativity, jobs, education, and public policy, and where it might take us next. It's a wide-ranging, energetic conversation. Whether you're thinking about how AI might reshape your own work, or you're just curious where some of the smartest people in tech and economics think this is all headed, this one's a great listen.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 Profiles: Fei-Fei Li | Neale Mahoney | Susan AtheyConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: IntroductionRuss Altman introduces this re-release of a live episode featuring Fei-Fei Li, Susan Athey, and Neale Mahoney on the future of the innovation economy. Defining the Innovation EconomyHow new ideas, technologies, and commercialization are reshaping economic growth. AI as a General-Purpose TechnologyWhat past technologies like electricity and personal computing can teach us about AI adoption. The Bottlenecks to AdoptionWhy digitization, software costs, training, and organizational change can slow the spread of new technology. AI and the Labor MarketWhy uncertainty about which jobs AI will disrupt makes social safety nets especially important. Augmenting Human WorkWhy Fei-Fei Li sees AI as a tool for enhancing human capabilities rather than simply replacing jobs. Shaping Human-Centered InnovationHow innovation can be designed to complement human skills, creativity, and purpose. Universities and AI InnovationHow universities can help develop human-centered technologies and lower barriers to adoption. Government and the AI TransitionHow public investment and policy could help workers adapt while expanding services like healthcare and childcare. Rethinking EducationWhy AI may force a fundamental rethink of what and how students learn. Jobs, Adaptation, and Safety NetsWhat history suggests about how economies adjust to technological disruption—and when policy intervention matters. AI Regulation and InnovationHow policymakers might balance technological progress with appropriate guardrails. Competition and Market PowerWhy competition, open models, and the cost of AI access matter for innovation and economic opportunity. Economic OptimismWhy confidence in the American economy has declined and what might help restore it. Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: hope for the future, education, robotics, AI accessibility, and the skills the panelists would learn next. Conclusion</s
Hi everyone, it's your host Russ. As summer winds down and everyone heads into a new season, I wanted to share something a little different. Recently, I sat down with Matt Abrahams, host of the podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart and a lecturer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business. We traded seats and I took the guest chair while Matt interviewed me about the future of communication in the age of AI. We’re excited to re-run this episode today and whether you're writing a pitch, prepping for a tough conversation, or just curious how AI is changing the way we talk to each other, this one's a great listen.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: Russ Altman | Matt AbrahamsLearn more about Think Fast Talk SmartConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters: IntroductionRuss Altman introduces this feed-drop episode from Think Fast, Talk Smart, where he joins Matt Abrahams to discuss communication in the age of AI. The Future of CommunicationWhy AI may amplify strong communication rather than replace authentic human messages. Using AI as a Communication ToolHow AI can help adjust language for different audiences, flag jargon, and improve clarity. AI as a Pre-EditorHow Russ uses large language models to critique and strengthen his writing before sharing it with colleagues. Structuring a Strong ProposalHow to align with your audience’s mission, define the problem, and clearly show the path forward. Making Complex Ideas AccessibleWhy stories, analogies, and audience awareness help make technical information easier to understand. Preparing for Tough MomentsWhy anticipating difficult concepts, questions, and conversations can make communication more effective. Asking Better QuestionsWhy specificity and strong follow-up questions can guide more meaningful conversations. Questions as OpportunitiesHow questions can communicate curiosity, engagement, and respect rather than criticism. Building Effective TeamsHow shared goals, relationships, diversity, and clear roles support collaboration. Productive ConflictHow leaders can encourage rigorous disagreement without damaging trust. Finding People’s PassionWhat hosting The Future of Everything taught Russ about understanding what motivates people. Looking to the FutureWhy young people give Russ hope about what comes next. A Communicator to AdmireWhy Russ credits his father with shaping his own approach to communication. Three Ingredients for Better CommunicationKnow your audience, be specific, and bring a sense of joy to the conversation. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>>
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What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future
A weekly look at how technology and power are shaping the future, from algorithms to artificial intelligence and beyond.
Host Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine at Stanford, is your guide to the latest science and engineering breakthroughs. Join Russ and his guests as they explore cutting-edge advances that are shaping the future of everything from AI to health and renewable energy. Along the way, “The Future of Everything” delves into ethical implications to give listeners a well-rounded understanding of how new technologies and discoveries will impact society. Whether you’re a researcher, a student, or simply curious about what’s on the horizon, stay up-to-date on the latest developments that are transforming our world.
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