The Future of Everything

• 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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  36:38
• Best of: The future of bioprinting

  February is American Heart Month, and in light of that, we’re bringing back an episode about a group here at Stanford Engineering that’s developing 3D printing methods for human tissues and organs, a process known as bioprinting. Motivated in part by the critical need for heart transplants, Mark Skylar-Scott and his team are specifically working to bioprint tissues of the human heart. It may sound like science fiction, but it’s actually just another example of the groundbreaking research we do here. We hope you’ll take another listen and be inspired by the possibilities.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: Mark A. Skylar-ScottMark’s Lab: The Skylar-Scott Lab | Stanford MedicineConnect 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, Mark Skylar-Scott, a professor of bioengineering at Stanford University.(00:02:06) What is Bioprinting?The role of cells and biopolymers in printing functional biological structures.(00:03:31) Bioprinting a HeartThe potential of printing organs on demand, especially heart tissue.(00:04:38) Obtaining Cells for BioprintingUsing stem cells derived from the patient's own cells to create heart tissue.(00:06:29) Creating Multiple Cell Types for the HeartThe challenge of printing eleven different heart cell types with precision.(00:08:50) The Scaffold for 3D PrintingThe support material used in 3D printing and how it’s later removed.(00:10:10) Cell Migration and Organ FormationHow cells organize themselves to form functional heart tissue.(00:12:08) Growing a Full-Sized HeartWhether they’re printing full-sized hearts or starting with smaller organs.(00:13:34) Avoiding Overgrowth RisksThe role of bioreactors in shaping the early stages of the organ.(00:14:57) Scaling Up Cell ProductionThe need to generate massive numbers of cells for experimentation.(00:18:32) The Challenge of VascularizationCreating a blood vessel network to supply oxygen and nutrients.(00:22:35) Ethical Considerations in BioprintingConsent, stem cell sourcing, and the broader ethical landscape.(00:26:04) The Timeline for Bioprinted OrgansThe long timeline for bioprinted organs to reach clinical use.(00:27:24) The State of the Field & CollaborationThe collaborative, competitive biofabrication field and its rapid progress.(00:28:20) 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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  29:03
• Trailer: The Future of Everything

  Welcome to Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything, the podcast that delves into groundbreaking research and innovations that are shaping the world and inventing the future. The University has a long history of doing work to positively impact the world and it's a joy to share about the people who are doing this work, what motivates them, and how their work is creating a better future for everybody. Join us every Friday for new episodes featuring insightful conversations with Stanford faculty and to discover how Stanford's research is transforming tomorrow's world. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook 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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  1:18
• The future of coronary arteries

  Guest Kristy Red-Horse is a biologist who specializes in coronary artery development and disease. She says the latest advances in treatment of blockages could do away with invasive bypass surgeries in favor of growing new arteries using molecules like CXCL12, known to promote artery regrowth in mice. Red-Horse explains how leaps forward in medical imaging, expanding atlases of gene expressions, and new drug delivery mechanisms could someday lead to trials in humans. But, before that day can arrive, much work remains, as Red-Horse tells host Russ Altman in 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: Kristy Red-HorseKristy’s Lab: Red-Horse 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 Kristy Red-Horse, a professor of biology at Stanford University.(00:03:46) Replacing Open-Heart SurgeryWhy bypass surgery is invasive, risky, and requires long recovery.(00:05:09) Challenges in Artery GrowthThe difficulty of targeting artery growth with medical interventions.(00:07:32) The Role of Collateral ArteriesDefinition and function of collateral arteries as natural bypass.(00:09:37) Triggers for Natural Bypass FormationGenetic factors that may influence the growth of these bypass arteries.(00:10:49) Unique Properties of Coronary ArteriesChallenges of ensuring artificial growth replicates natural artery function.(00:13:04) The Discovery of CXCL12A key molecule that stimulates collateral artery formation.(00:16:16) Precise Artery Growth ControlThe results of targeted CXCL12 injections into mice hearts.(00:17:32) CXCL12’s Overlooked RoleThe molecule’s role in the immune system and stem cells.(00:20:27) Guinea Pigs and Heart Attack ResistanceHow guinea pigs naturally develop collaterals.(00:23:19) Preventing Heart DiseaseUsing artery growth treatments to target early-stage coronary disease.(00:25:25) Breakthroughs in Imaging TechnologyNew technology that enables identification of collateral growth pathways.(00:27:07) How Collateral Arteries FormThe two mechanisms in which new arteries form.(00:28:48) The Future of Medical Artery GrowthThe possibility of eliminating bypass surgery with targeted artery growth. 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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  32:37

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