The Future of Everything

• The future of allergies

  Allergist Tina Sindher acknowledges that allergies may be affecting more people worldwide, influenced by a combination of factors such as environmental changes, modern lifestyles, urbanization, and evolving dietary habits. Prevention is playing catch-up, and promising new strategies include earlier food introduction than was popular only a few years ago. On the treatment front, hopes are rising for immunotherapies and a new prescription medicine, omalizumab, that addresses multiple allergens at once. While no single approach helps all, these strategies could allow millions worldwide to better manage their allergies, Sindher 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: Sayantani (Tina) SindherConnect 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 Sindher, a professor of medicine and allergy at Stanford University.(00:03:16) Inside the Immune ResponseWhy our immune systems trigger allergic reactions.(00:04:57) Genes vs. EnvironmentWhether genetics or environment drive allergy risks.(00:08:05) The Microbiome FactorThe role of the microbiome and early exposures in prevention.(00:09:17) A Global Allergy SurgeHow global allergy trends reveal rising health challenges.(00:11:56) Potent Food TriggersWhy some foods cause stronger and faster reactions.(00:13:49) Emerging RisksWhether Alpha-Gal signals new emerging allergy risks.(00:15:47) Multi-Food AllergiesHow multi-food allergies complicate diagnosis and treatment.(00:19:02) Preventing Allergies EarlyWhy early food introduction may help prevent allergies.(00:20:54) Skin’s Role in AllergiesThe importance of infant skin health in allergy development.(00:23:39) Testing LimitationsThe limits of current testing methods to truly diagnose allergies.(00:25:13) Standard Testing ProcedureThe current methodologies deployed when testing for allergies.(00:27:28) New TherapiesHow new therapies like OIT and Xolair are reshaping treatment.(00:31:50) The Future of AllergiesThe potential of combined therapies to aid in allergy treatment.(00:34:33) Managing Seasonal AllergiesHow to manage seasonal allergies effectively at home.(00:37:08) 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

  --------  

  37:56

  --------

  37:56
• The future of bone health

  Endocrinologist Joy Wu says that osteoporosis can affect more than half of women and a quarter of men over 50 – often without symptoms until a fracture changes everything, leading to a loss of mobility and independence. Wu explains why bones weaken with age and how to strengthen them through exercise and smart medicine. Her lab is exploring innovative drugs and turning skin cells into new bone-forming osteoblasts. We’re delving into the great mystery of building new bone and making old bones stronger, Wu 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: Joy WuConnect 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 Joy Wu, a professor of endocrinology at Stanford University.(00:03:06) Path into Bone ResearchJoy shares her path from endocrinology training to studying bone biology.(00:04:10) Calcium and Vitamin D in Bone HealthHow these nutrients build strong bones and prevent fractures.(00:05:13) Why Bones Heal ThemselvesWhy bones can regenerate so effectively compared to other tissues.(00:06:26) Can We Feel Our Bones?The mystery of weather-related aches at old fracture sites.(00:07:23) Understanding OsteoporosisThe prevalence of osteoporosis in the elderly, especially in women.(00:08:34) Diagnosing OsteoporosisWhy osteoporosis often goes undetected until fractures appear.(00:09:36) Risk Factors Beyond AgingThe risk factors outside of aging that can lead to osteoporosis.(00:10:48) Steroids, Exercise, and Bone HealthThe impact of systemic steroids and exercise on bone health.(00:12:40) Height Loss and Spine FracturesHow shrinking height in older adults can signal vertebral fractures.(00:14:46) Cancer and Bone HealthHow cancers spread to bone and how therapies affect bone health.(00:17:09) Medications for OsteoporosisThe complexities of using certain medications in cancer patients with bone loss.(00:20:10) Hormones and Bone GrowthUsing SERMs to protect bone while reducing breast cancer risk.(00:21:45) Stem Cells and Building BoneResearch on reprogramming skin cells into bone-forming osteoblasts.(00:23:31) Why Treatments PlateauWhy bone-building drugs stop working after two years.(00:24:49) Challenges in Bone RegenerationThe potential of Wnt signalling and stem cells in lasting bone regeneration.(00:28:09) Validating Osteoblasts in the LabTesting whether reprogrammed cells behave like natural osteoblasts.(00:29:11) Future Outlook for Bone BiologyThe limits of bone cell replication and what it means for future therapies.(00:30:10) Advice for Strong BonesPractical do’s and don’ts for optimizing bone health.(00:32:41) 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

  --------  

  33:28

  --------

  33:28
• Best of: The future of reading

  It’s still summer, but many children and teachers are back in school or preparing to return to the classroom. About a year ago, we sat down with Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education, to discuss the complex process of learning how to read. Professor Silverman unpacks the challenges of decoding and comprehension, two things that are vital for reading instruction to be successful. Whether you’re supporting a new reader or curious about the hurdles new readers must overcome, we hope you’ll tune in to this conversation again.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: Rebecca D. SilvermanConnect 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 Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education at Stanford University.(00:01:59) Why Reading Is HardWhy reading is a complex, non-natural skill essential for education.(00:03:14) Decoding & ComprehensionThe core components of reading and the challenges of comprehension.(00:05:07) Improving ComprehensionWhy improving comprehension takes years and sustained support.(00:06:40) Variability in LearningWhy some kids excel, others need help, and many struggle.(00:08:26) Nature vs. NurtureHow genetics and environment combine to shape reading ability.(00:09:17) Reading Across LanguagesHow different writing systems affect how quickly kids learn to read.(00:10:57) Identifying Struggling ReadersResearch challenges in identifying decoding and comprehension issues.(00:14:42) Paper vs. Digital ReadingKey differences between reading on paper and screens.(00:18:04) Technology in LiteracyHow technology is effective for decoding but less so for comprehension.(00:19:58) Family InfluenceThe importance of family and storytelling in literacy development.(00:21:52) Adult LiteracyWhether adults can learn to read as easily as young learners.(00:23:13) Challenges For TeachersThe challenges teachers face in teaching literacy alongside multiple subjects(00:25:15) The Future of AI in ReadingThe potential of AI and digital tools to help tailor literacy support.(00:28:50) 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

  --------  

  29:25

  --------

  29:25
• The future of inequality

  Sociologist David Grusky argues that all the usual debilitating debates about inequality can be sidestepped if we focus on the worst forms – those rooted in cronyism, racism, and nepotism – that everyone can agree are nothing more than a pernicious transfer of income or wealth from the powerless to the powerful. To fight this “worst form” of inequality, Grusky shows how powerful interventions can be identified with new quasi-experimental methods, including those that use naturally occurring or AI-generated doppelgangers instead of very expensive randomized controlled trials. “We’re leaving a lot of talent on the table. And the cost is profound,” Grusky tells host Russ Altman about the price of inequality 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: David GruskyConnect 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 David Grusky, a professor of sociology at Stanford University.(00:02:57) Studying InequalityDavid explains his motivation for studying inequality.(00:03:44) What Is Good Inequality?How productive contributions create justifiable inequalities in income.(00:04:48) Example of Bad InequalityWhen legitimate productivity becomes mixed with exploitation(00:07:22) Widespread Nature of Bad InequalityDifferent groups within society who benefit from bad inequality.(00:10:58) The Birth Lottery ProblemHow the circumstances of birth create hidden advantages.(00:13:15) Status & Social Class InequalityWhether prestige and non-financial rewards intersect with inequality.(00:14:52) Good Jobs vs. Bad JobsWhat constitutes a good job in an era of rapid technological change.(00:16:20) The Limits of Progressive TaxationWhy progressive taxation fails to distinguish between inequalities.(00:21:01) Predistribution SolutionsPreventing bad inequality before it occurs with institutional reform.(00:24:31) Reform ChallengesHow entrenched interests and weak evaluation block reform progress.(00:25:54) Inequality Research ToolsQuasi-experimental methods that evaluate inequality interventions.(00:28:39) AI Clones for Policy TestingUsing large language models to simulate individuals and test policy ideas.(00:33:55) 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

  --------  

  34:36

  --------

  34:36
• The future of cancer neuroscience

  Neurologist Michelle Monje studies the close relationship between cancer and the nervous system, particularly in an aggressive brain cancer that often strikes in childhood. Her research shows that the cancer cells are electrically integrated into the brain itself and these connections actually help the cancer to grow. Monje and collaborators have now developed an immunotherapy that has shown great promise in mice and early human trials. One patient had a “complete response” and is cancer-free four years after treatment, Monje 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: Michelle MonjeConnect 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 Michelle Monje, a professor of pediatric neurology at Stanford University.(00:03:39) Focus on Cancer ResearchMonje’s clinical observations led to exploring cancer-neuron interactions.(00:05:28) Neurons and Glial CellsThe role of neurons and glial cells in brain function and disease.(00:08:32) Gliomas in ChildrenAn overview of gliomas and their origins in glial precursor cells.(00:10:12) Rethinking Brain Cancer BehaviorHow gliomas don’t just grow—they integrate with brain circuits.(00:14:49) Mechanisms of Tumor GrowthTwo primary mechanisms by which cancer exploits the nervous system.(00:16:32) Synaptic Integration of Cancer CellsThe discovery that glioma cells form synapses with neurons.(00:20:06) CAR T-Cell TherapyAdapting CAR T-cell immunotherapy to target brain tumors.(00:22:52) Targeting GD2 AntigenIdentification of a surface marker enables precision CAR T-cell therapy.(00:24:35) Immune Access to the BrainThe ability of CAR T-cells to reach the brain, despite prior understanding.(00:26:16) First Clinical Trial ResultsThe significant tumor reduction and response from CAR T-cell therapy.(00:28:21) Combined TherapiesPairing immune therapy with neural signaling blockers for better outcomes.(00:30:35) 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

  --------  

  31:13

  --------

  31:13

More Health & Wellness podcasts

Trending Health & Wellness podcasts

About The Future of Everything