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by Stanford Engineering
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- 3 days ago34 min
The future of fungi
Fungi are “nature’s biological recycling machines,” says guest Vayu Hill-Maini, a former chef turned bioengineer. That is, they take waste and turn it into good things. Hill-Maini now melds his scientific and culinary skills to create new foods, but also medicines, faux leather, pigments and other valuable products from mushrooms and molds. He uses CRISPR gene editing technology to “domesticate” these fungi – removing off-flavors and increasing nutritional content to make new-age cheeses, burgers, salami, and more. “We call it the DBTL cycle – design, build, taste, learn,” Hill-Maini tells host Russ Altman about his creative process 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: Vayu Hill-Maini Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Vayu Hill-Maini, a professor of bioengineering at Stanford University. From Chef to Bioengineer How Hill-Maini’s culinary background led him to study food through science. Building a Lab with a Kitchen Why his Stanford lab combines bioengineering research with culinary experimentation. What Are Fungi? A primer on yeasts, molds, mushrooms, and their role in food and medicine. Domesticating Fungi How humans have shaped fungi over thousands of years. Mushrooms as a Food Source The nutrients, proteins, vitamins, and beneficial molecules found in fungi. Fungi as Biological Recyclers Using fungi to turn food waste, agricultural waste, and other materials into useful products. Making Waste-Based Foods Desirable Why taste, emotion, and culinary design matter for sustainable foods. Engineering Delicious Fungi Using genetics and CRISPR to improve flavor, nutrition, and usability. Gentle Genetic Tweaks Making small changes to reduce off-flavors or enhance useful traits. Design, Build, Taste, Learn How the lab moves between kitchen and bench science to improve foods. Chefs in the Lab How culinary collaborators help guide research and creativity. Fungi-Based Materials The potential to create textiles, leather alternatives, and building materials. Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: sustainability, students, and the promise of fungi. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect
- 1 weeks ago37 min
The future of influencers
In the dotcom era, communication professor Angèle Christin embedded herself in newsrooms, where she witnessed how audience metrics tilted journalism toward viral content over in-depth reporting. Christin now researches the influencer economy and how content creators monetize their production by any of three means – brand sponsorships, engagement-based payments from social media platforms, and direct-to-audience subscriptions, donations, or sales. She says this engagement-based ecosystem steers communication toward what captures attention, not always what best informs. To improve our reeling national dialogue, we must first change the financial model of social media content, Christin 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: Angèle Christin Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Angèle Christin, a professor of sociology at Stanford University. From Journalism to Social Media How Angèle’s research moved from journalism to influencers. Journalism’s Digital Disruption How platforms and advertising shifts changed the news industry. Metrics in Newsrooms Why journalists began tracking clicks, traffic, and audience behavior. Redefining Success The tension between editorial quality and online popularity. Unbundling Media How digital platforms changed the way audiences consume news. The Pull of Virality Why going viral can be both rewarding and distorting. The Creator Economy How influencers emerged as a new media ecosystem. Studying Influencers Online How Christin researched creators during the pandemic. The Passion Principle Why many creators begin by sharing expertise or personal experience. Influencer Revenue Models The three main ways creators make money online, and the pitfalls of each model Rethinking Monetization The case for subscriptions, donations, and direct support. Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: incentives, social media, and research. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanf
- 2 weeks ago30 min
Best of: The future of the universe
Earlier this year, we got to witness the incredible launch and return of Artemis II, a NASA mission meant to lay the groundwork for a future lunar landing. Among the many accomplishments of the Artemis II mission, the crew successfully gathered real-time observations of the Moon that will contribute to our increased understanding of the cosmos. If you were inspired the same way we were, we thought it would be an opportune time to re-share an episode we recorded with astrophysicist Risa Wechsler on the future of the universe. We hope you’ll take another listen and that this episode will help you tap into more of that wonder the Artemis II crew sparked. 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: Risa Wechsler Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Risa Wechsler, a professor of astrophysics from Stanford University. Big Questions About the Universe What the universe is made of, how it evolved, and how galaxies formed. Mapping the Universe New surveys and telescopes enabling more detailed cosmic maps. What Is a “Map” of the Universe? 2D images, 3D structure, and looking back in time through light. Spectroscopy & Redshift How astronomers measure distance and motion using light. Our Place in the Universe Why there is no clear center or edge in the observable universe. A Clumpy Universe How small early fluctuations led to galaxies and large-scale structure. How Galaxies Form The role of dark matter and gas in building galaxies over time. Types of Galaxies Why galaxies vary in size, structure, and environment. Gravity Across Scales How the same laws govern everything from planets to galaxies. What Is the Universe Made Of? The invisible matter shaping galaxies and cosmic structure. Using Maps to Study the Unknown How large-scale surveys reveal dark matter and energy effects. The Milky Way as a Laboratory Studying nearby galaxies to understand fundamental physics. Diversity in Galaxy Formation How different histories shape galaxies. Reading Cosmic History Using observations to reconstruct galaxy evolution. Observing Nearby Galaxies Why distance matters for studying full galactic systems. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>><a href="https://twitt
- 3 weeks ago36 min
The future of cell-free biotechnology
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: Stanford Profile: Michael Christopher Jewett Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: Introduction Russ Altman introduces Mike Jewett, a professor of bioengineering and chemical engineering at Stanford University. What Is Cell-Free Biotechnology? Using the internal machinery of cells without the cells themselves. Removing “Evolutionary Baggage” Why cells’ natural priorities can conflict with engineering goals. Advantages of Cell-Free Systems From large-scale production to decentralized, on-demand manufacturing. Making Proteins Outside Cells How DNA instructions are used to produce functional proteins. Biosensors for Water Safety Detecting contaminants like lead using engineered proteins. Engineering Better Sensors Improving sensitivity and selectivity through protein design. AI in Bioengineering How data and models accelerate discovery and design. Sustainability & Carbon Capture Turning atmospheric carbon into useful chemicals. Building New Biological Pathways Combining chemistry and biology to create novel production systems. From Molecules to Materials How acetyl-CoA enables fuels, plastics, and other products. Teaching Biotechnology Making biotech accessible through hands-on, “just-add-water” kits. Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: innovation, collaboration, and the future of biotech. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanfo
- Apr 17, 202633 min
The future of education
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: Stanford Profile: Susanna Loeb Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Susanna Loeb, a professor of education at Stanford University. Path into Education Susanna’s journey from engineering to education and her focus on impact at scale. The Field of Learning Science The different approaches and challenges in education and its research. Tutoring After the Pandemic How COVID exposed learning gaps and accelerated interest in tutoring. What Makes Tutoring Effective The different factors that go into making tutoring effective. Spreading Proven Practices Using proof points and partnerships to drive adoption across districts. Building Education Networks The importance of trusted relationships and communication channels. AI in the Classroom How schools are beginning to adopt AI tools and respond to demand. AI & Education How teachers are leading AI adoption, with limited direct student use. A Framework for Using AI The focus on improving student experiences and personalized learning. Studying AI in Real Time Challenges of evaluating fast-changing tools and the need for rapid testing. Partnering with AI Companies Collaborating with industry to test tools like ChatGPT in schools. AI & Tutoring Blending human tutors with AI support to improve outcomes. The Limits of AI Tutors Why human motivation and relationships remain essential. The Future of Education Systems Balancing innovation with equitable access and student engagement. Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: optimism, scaling education, and collaboration. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads</
- Apr 10, 202641 min
The future of networking technology
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: Stanford Profile: Keith Winstein Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Keith Winstein, a professor of computer science and electrical engineering at Stanford University Why Choose Networking The appeal of the shared digital “fictions” created by connected computers. The Internet’s Impact The broader societal implications of networking technologies. Computational Truth The concept of tracking how data is produced and verified. Misaligned Cloud Computing How “pay for effort” models create inefficiencies in cloud systems. Determining Computational Truth The need for verifiable computation that produces consistent results. Computations & Accountability How identifying computations could improve trust in systems. Collaborating Online Why latency challenges make online performance collaboration difficult. Real-Time Performance Systems Creating a custom system for musicians to perform together online. Latency vs. Bandwidth Why faster internet speeds don’t necessarily reduce delay. Eliminating Latency How buffering layers in software create unnecessary delay. Balancing Audio Quality & Delay The different trade-offs for musicians, actors, and audiences. Rethinking Computer Science Education The need to bring playfulness and interactivity back into learning. The Xylophone-Based Class Teaching computation through real-time sound and music. Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: optimism, truth in computing, and innovation. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> <a href="htt
- Apr 3, 202629 min
Best of: The future of plant chemistry
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: Stanford Profile: Elizabeth Sattely Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Beth Sattely, a professor of chemical engineering at Stanford University. Path to Plant Metabolism How chemistry and gardening led to a career in plant science. Environmental & Human Health Using plants to improve both the planet and people’s well-being. Engineering Climate-Resilient Crops Making crops more sustainable and nutritious amid global change. Old vs. New Crop Engineering Comparing traditional breeding with modern molecular tools. Industry & Long-Term Food Security The gap between short-term market goals and long-term environmental needs. Tomato Chemistry Tomatoes reveal how plants produce protective molecules under stress. Plant “Vaccines” & Immune Signaling How plants communicate threats internally and mount chemical defenses. Citrus Greening & Limonoids The potential role of limonoid research on citrus greening. Plants Making Medicine How plants like Yew trees naturally produce cancer drugs like Taxol. Diet as Preventative Medicine Identifying plant molecules to understand their preventative health effects. Food Allergies & Plant Chemistry Why the immune system tolerates some foods and rejects others. Understanding Tolerance in Immunity Possibility of reintroducing tolerance through partial molecular exposure. Engineering Healthier Plants Potential for designing plants to enhance micronutrient content. Training the Next Generation Beth celebrates her students’ role in shaping a sustainable future. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-univ
- Mar 27, 202636 min
The future of learning
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: Stanford Profile: Candace Thille Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Candace Thille, a professor of education at Stanford University. Path into Learning Science How Candace became interested in improving how people learn. The Science of Learning An overview of the field and why it’s still developing. Training Educators How learning science is applied in teacher education. The Research to Practice Gap Why insights from classrooms rarely feed back into research. Technology Supporting Teachers Using AI and other technological tools to enhance teaching. The Open Learning Initiative (OLI) The origins of one of the first large-scale digital learning systems. Learning with OLI How feedback and structured practice improved student outcomes. Building OLI Across Disciplines The collaboration between researchers, instructors, and engineers. The Accelerated Learning Study Evidence that students can learn faster without sacrificing outcomes. Learning Science at Amazon Applying learning science research to workplace education. Research as a Feedback Loop Why teaching practice should continuously inform research. The Importance of Infrastructure Using captured learning data to improve instruction at scale. Predictive AI for Learning Science The applications of older AI models in learning science research. Generative AI as a Learning Interface How generative AI can make education more accessible. The Myth of Learning Styles The misconception that most people have different learning styles. Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: new tools, data infrastructure, and supporting learners. Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>&g
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About The Future of Everything
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, tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest developments that are transforming our world.
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