Host Russ Altman, a professor of bioengineering, genetics, and medicine at Stanford, is your guide to the latest science and engineering breakthroughs. Join Rus...
Leanne Williams is an expert in depression. The first thing that she wants the world to know is that depression is not some sort of character flaw, but a real illness with symptoms that can impair one’s ability to function day to day. The past decade has seen remarkable advances, she says, as functional MRI has opened new avenues of understanding depression’s mechanisms and its treatments. These are hopeful times for the science of depression, Williams 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: Leanne WilliamsConnect 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 Leanne Williams, a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at Stanford University.(00:02:13) What Is Depression?Distinguishing clinical depression from everyday sadness.(00:04:02) Current Depression Treatment ChallengesThe trial-and-error of traditional depression treatments and their extended timelines.(00:06:46) Brain Mapping and Circuit DysfunctionsAdvanced imaging techniques and their role in understanding depression.(00:09:33) Diagnosing with Brain ImagingHow brain imaging can complement traditional diagnostic methods in psychiatry.(00:10:52) Depression BiotypesIdentifying six distinct biotypes of depression through brain imaging(00:14:41) Biotypes and Personalized TreatmentsHow biotypes allow for targeted therapies and improve treatment outcomes.(00:19:33) AI in Depression TreatmentUsing AI to refine biotypes and predict treatment outcomes with greater accuracy.(00:22:45) Psychedelics in Depression TreatmentThe potential for psychedelic drugs to target specific biotypes of depression.(00:24:16) Expanding the Biotypes FrameworkIntegrating multimodal approaches into the biotype framework.(00:27:59) Reducing Stigma in DepressionHow showing patients their brain imaging results reduces self-blame and stigma.(00:30:08) Conclusion
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30:47
The future of Alzheimer’s treatment
Guest Michael Greicius is an authority on Alzheimer’s disease. He makes the case that while effective treatments have remained elusive, there are high hopes for new approaches that target tau proteins in the brain associated with the disease. In the meantime, to reduce Alzheimer’s risk stay active, eat well, and manage circulatory risks, but skip genetic testing for now until better treatments emerge, Greicius 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 GreiciusConnect 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 Greicius, a professor of neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University.(00:02:12) Understanding Alzheimer's DiseaseThe roles of amyloid and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease.(00:04:53) Challenges in Developing TreatmentsThe multiple hurdles in creating Alzheimer's therapies.(00:09:07) Current Alzheimer's DrugsThe controversies and limitations of recently approved drugs.(00:10:23) Amyloid Plaques and Their ImpactWhy removing amyloid plaques hasn’t improved patient outcomes.(00:14:29) Problems with Alzheimer's TrialsThe disconnect between amyloid removal and patient outcomes.(00:18:03) Functional Unblinding and Trial BiasHow functional unblinding affects trial results and drug evaluations.(00:23:51) The Potential of Targeting TauNew breakthroughs in targeting tau protein for Alzheimer’s.(00:26:35) The Future of PreventionPotential preemptive treatments for Alzheimer's and their administration.(00:29:19) Lifestyle and Risk ReductionRecommendations for reducing risk of Alzheimer’s disease.(00:31:43) Conclusion
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32:35
The future of AI and democracy
Two-time guest Nate Persily is a professor of law and policy who studies the intersection of artificial intelligence and democracy. AI is creeping into democracy, he says, and 2024 saw its share of deepfakes and synthetic media, but with surprisingly little impact. His bigger concern is the opposite – politicians claiming the truth to be fake. It breeds distrust and, for democracy, that’s more pernicious, Persily 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: Nathaniel PersilyConnect 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 Nate Persily, a professor of law at Stanford University.(00:02:49) How AI Impacts DemocracyAI's role in influencing elections and its implications for democratic systems.(00:03:38) Deepfakes and the ElectionThe limited impact of deepfakes and emerging disinformation trends.(00:04:37) Is Skepticism Beneficial?The role of skepticism in navigating AI-driven disinformation.(00:06:06) AI and Social MediaHow AI powers social media and its implications for democratic dialogue.(00:08:40) AI Monopoly and DemocracyRisks of concentrated AI power among tech giants.(00:12:03) Risks of Open AI ModelsBalancing innovation and misuse risks of open AI models.(00:17:20) Regulating AIGlobal efforts to regulate AI and lessons from the European AI Act.(00:19:54) The Global AI RaceThe international race to balance progress and safeguards with AI.(00:23:35) Global South and AIThe digital divide and role of open models in under-resourced nations.(00:25:05) AI in Legal PracticePotential and challenges of AI in law, from drafting to adjudication.(00:28:55) Conclusion
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29:42
Best of: The future of underwater robotics
The field of robotics has a long history at Stanford Engineering, and Professor Oussama Khatib has been a pioneering leader in that field, working on everything from human-interactive robots to underwater exploration, pushing the boundaries of what robots can do. Most recently, he’s led the opening of a new Robotics Center at Stanford. Today we’re bringing back the conversation we had with him about his work on OceanOneK — a humanoid robot who now has a new home in the Robotics Center. Join us as we talk about his journey, his vision for the future of robotics, and how his research is transforming the way humans interact with machines. We hope you enjoy the episode! 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: Oussama KhatibStanford Robotics LabConnect 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 Oussama Khatib, a professor of engineering at Stanford University.(00:01:54) Underwater Robotics AdvancementsInnovations in underwater robotics, including breakthroughs for deeper exploration.(00:05:35) New Flotation MaterialsThe discovery of lightweight, strong flotation materials for deep-sea robots.(00:06:25) Robot Battery ChallengesThe challenges of powering robots at extreme depths.(00:09:09) Importance of Anthropomorphic DesignWhy humanoid features are essential for performing delicate underwater tasks.(00:14:20) Robotic Design ChallengesThe design of lightweight robotic arms that can withstand underwater pressure.(00:19:51) Ease of Use for OperatorsHow both novices and experts can quickly adapt to controlling these robots.(00:22:37) Applications in Biology and ArchaeologyFuture applications in marine biology and underwater archaeology.(00:26:12) Search and Rescue PotentialThe potential for robots to assist in search and rescue missions.(00:27:48) Future of Deep-Sea ExplorationThe future of deep-sea exploration using robotics.(00:29:40) Conclusion
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30:15
The future of AI coaching
Guest James Landay is an expert in human-centered artificial intelligence, a field all about optimizing technology for human and societal good. Landay says one of the most promising intersections is in education and AI, where the technology excels as a coaching and tutoring tool. His Smart Primer and Acorn apps use augmented reality and AI to engage children in outdoor, hands-on environmental science, and his GPT Coach is an AI-powered fitness planning tool. When it comes to AI and education, things are wide open and only just getting started, Landay 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: James LandaySmart PrimerConnect 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 James Landay, a professor of computer science at Stanford University.(00:02:04) Evolving AI ApplicationsHow large language models can replicate personal coaching experiences.(00:06:44) Role of Health Experts in AIIntegrating insights from medical professionals into AI coaching systems.(00:10:21) Personalization in AI CoachingHow AI coaches can adapt personalities and avatars to cater to user preferences.(00:12:51) Group Dynamics in AI CoachingPros and cons of adding social features and group support to AI coaching systems.(00:14:08) Ambient Awareness in TechnologyAmbient awareness and how it enhances user engagement without active attention.(00:17:44) Using AI in Elementary EducationNarrative-driven tutoring systems to inspire kids' learning and creativity.(00:22:59) Encouraging Student Writing with AIUsing LLMs to motivate students to write through personalized feedback.(00:23:52) Scaling AI Educational ToolsThe ACORN project and creating dynamic, scalable learning experiences.(00:27:58) Human-Centered AIThe concept of human-centered AI and its focus on designing for society.(00:30:34) 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
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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