Astrophysicist Risa Wechsler studies the evolution of the universe. She says that our understanding of how the universe formed and how it will change over time is changing as new technologies for seeing and measuring space come online, like a new high-resolution camera that can quickly map the full sky to see everything that moves, or new spectrographs that will map the cosmos in 3D and enable us to get new clues about the elusive dark matter. You can’t understand the universe or our presence in it until you understand dark matter, Wechsler tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Risa Wechsler: Website
• Stanford Profile: Website
• SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
• Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) | Rubin Observatory
• Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI)
• The SAGA Survey

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Professor Risa Wechsler, professor of physics, particle physics, and astrophysics from Stanford University.

(00:01:46) Tools for Studying the Universe

Technologies and methods used to study galaxies and the universe, including the Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time.

(00:04:37) Understanding Maps of the Universe

The concept of mapping the universe in two and three dimensions, the significance of redshifts, and the application of spectroscopy.

(00:08:56) The Structure and Scale of the Universe

The age, expansion, and overall structure of the universe, touching on its isotropic nature and clumpiness on different scales.

(00:12:23) Delving into Galaxy Formation and Evolution

An in-depth look at galaxy formation, the role of dark matter, and how galaxies have evolved over billions of years.

(00:14:49) The Diversity of Galaxies and Their Structures

The various types of galaxies, including satellite and dwarf galaxies, and how they form and evolve differently.

(00:18:56) Dark Matter and Dark Energy

The fundamental aspects of dark matter and dark energy, their role in the universe, and the challenges in studying them.

(00:22:32) Mapping the Universe with Modern Tools

How current technologies and methods contribute to our understanding of the universe’s expansion and structure

(00:24:57) Applying Cosmic Understanding

The SAGA Survey and its implications for understanding the Milky Way in a broader cosmic context.

(00:29:29) Conclusion

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Guest Jeannette Bohg is an expert in robotics who says there is a transformation happening in her field brought on by recent advances in large language models. The LLMs have a certain common sense baked in and robots are using it to plan and to reason as never before. But they still lack low-level sensorimotor control — like the fine skill it takes to turn a doorknob. New models that do for robotic control what LLMs did for language could soon make such skills a reality, Bohg tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Jeannette Bogh: Website
• Stanford Profile: Website
• Jeannette's Lab: Website
• Robotics startup Jeannette discusses: Diligent Robotics

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ introduces guest Professor Jeannette Bohg, an expert in robotics from Stanford University.

(00:01:58) AI's Impact on Robotics

How AI is transforming robotics and the use of AI in high-level planning and reasoning in robotics.

(00:04:26) Challenges of Applying Language Models in Robotics

The challenges and potential of using large language models for robotic task planning and interaction between humans and robots.

(00:07:06) Data Shortages in Robotics

The scarcity of training data in robotics compared to other AI fields and its impact on development.

(00:10:43) Human-Robot Interaction and Augmentation

The potential for robots to augment human capabilities rather than replace them and different approaches to autonomy in robotics.

(00:16:41) The Future of Robotic Hardware

The current state of robotic hardware, its limitations, and what the future might hold for robotic development.

(00:19:53) The Financial and Practical Realities of Robotic Research

Cost and maintenance challenges associated with robotic research platforms, as well as practical applications of robotics in everyday life.

(00:25:11) Humanoid Robots vs. Practical Robots

The practicality and implications of designing robots that mimic human appearance and capabilities.

(00:27:55) Future Outlook and Commercial Viability

The future outlook for robotic platforms and when they might become commercially available.

(00:29:08) Conclusion

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Guest Sergiu Pasca is a physician-scientist who turns skin cells into stem cells and then into brain tissues he calls “organoids” and “assembloids” in order to study psychiatric and neurological illness in a dish instead of in living human beings. With this knowledge, Pasca hopes to develop new treatments for conditions ranging from schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders to chronic pain, he tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Sergiu’s Lab: Pasca Lab
• Sergiu’s Stanford Profile: Website
• Center at Stanford Sergiu Leads: Stanford Brain Organogenesis
• Sergiu’s recently published paper: Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Approach for Timothy Syndrome
• Paper by Shinya Yamanaka Sergiu discusses: Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Embryonic and Adult Fibroblast Cultures

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ introduces guest, Sergiu Pasca, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.

(00:02:43) The Science of Growing Brain Tissue from Skin Cells

The process of developing brain organoids from skin cells and the potential medical applications of these models.

(00:03:59) Enhancing Neurological Research Tools

Advancing the complexity of brain models to include various brain structures and their applications in modeling diseases.

(00:07:20) Introduction of Assembloids

Introduction to assembloids, detailing how combining different organoids can mimic complex brain structures

(0015:58) Testing Therapeutics Using Humanized Models

The innovative approach of using humanized rat models to test neurological therapies and drugs.

(00:21:03) Complex Circuit Modelling for Disease Understanding

The current capabilities of modeling complex brain circuits and their relevance in understanding the neural pathways involved in diseases.

(00:23:36) The Future of Pain Modelling and Drug Testing

How assembled brain cells can model pain perception and response, leading to potential new treatments for chronic pain and psychiatric disorders

(00:27:46) Ethical Considerations and Public Engagement

Ethical concerns related to creating brain-like tissues and the importance of public engagement in scientific research.

(00:32:01) Future Directions and Global Collaboration

The future of brain organogenesis research and the potential impacts on treating neurological and psychiatric conditions.

(00:34:05) Conclusion

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With TikTok in the hands of 170 million Americans, cybersecurity expert Amy Zegart says it’s time to talk about consequences. Foreign access to all that data on so many Americans is a national security threat, she asserts. For those as concerned as she, Zegart has good news and bad. The government has gotten better at fighting cyberthreats, but artificial intelligence is making things very complicated, very fast. The US needs to adapt quickly to keep pace, Zegart tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Amy Zegart's Stanford Profile
• Hoover Institution Profile: Website
• Ep.20 How Vulnerable Are We to Cyber Attacks? (Amy’s previous episode on The Future of Everything)

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Amy Zegart, a cybersecurity expert from Stanford University.

(00:02:37) Government and Cybersecurity Speeds

How AI has changed the pace at which both government and cyber attackers operate, and the evolving dynamics of cybersecurity efforts.

(00:04:12) Corporate Cybersecurity

The unexpected role of the SEC in regulating corporate cybersecurity efforts and how the cyber attack surface has expanded beyond traditional big industries

(00:07:30) Global Cyber Threats and Preparedness

Insights into the strategic use of cyber operations by other countries, and the multifaceted nature of international cyber relations.

(00:09:13) Cyber Dynamics in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

The cyber aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its implications for global cybersecurity strategies.

(00:11:35) Misinformation and Disinformation Dynamics

The difference between misinformation and disinformation, their impacts on society and the challenges in combating them.

(00:15:04) TikTok and National Security

Risks associated with TikTok as a platform controlled by Chinese interests, discussing data privacy and potential for foreign influence.

(00:20:11) Corporate Power in AI and National Security

The role of corporations in national security through their control over AI, and the challenges this poses for regulation and innovation.

(00:22:47) Learning from Cybersecurity to Manage AI Risks

Lessons from cybersecurity that could help manage emerging AI risks, highlighting the need for developing independent AI research capacities.

(00:26:44) European Regulation and Global AI Safety

The European approach to AI regulation and data protection, advocating for international AI safety norms and collaborative efforts.

(00:29:21) AI's Role in Enhancing Intelligence

How AI can transform intelligence services, and advancements that could lead to significant efficiency gains in national security.

(00:31:23) Conclusion

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A best of episode where Russ interviews one of his bioengineering colleagues, Fan Yang, about some of the fascinating work she’s doing in the realm of tissue engineering. Hear more about the ways her lab is modeling human tissue to help develop a better understanding of how we might effectively replace damaged tissues and alleviate a number of health concerns.

Episode Reference Links:

• Fan Yang's Stanford Profile: Website
• Fan Yang’s Stanford Lab: Website
• Ep.174 Regenerating and Rejuvenating Human Tissues: Website / YouTube (original episode)

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Fan Yang, a bioengineer at Stanford.

(00:03:15) The Basics of Tissue Engineering

The purpose and significance of tissue engineering, emphasizing its role in addressing critical medical needs like late-stage arthritis.

(00:04:23) Challenges in Tissue Engineering

Technical hurdles in creating viable tissues for clinical use, such as integrating these tissues into the human body.

(00:07:00) 3D Printing and In Situ Polymerization

Technological advances in shaping tissues using 3D printing and the benefits of in situ polymerization to adapt to complex tissue shapes.

(00:09:15) Specific Challenges with Cartilage

The challenges specific to cartilage regeneration, explaining why it has been a difficult tissue to replicate and heal.

(00:13:56) Micro Ribbon Based Hydrogels

Explanation of micro ribbon based hydrogels, a new development aimed at improving tissue regeneration.

(00:19:16) Cancer Research and Tissue Engineering

How tissue engineering technologies are not only pivotal for therapeutic uses but also crucial for understanding diseases and aiding drug discovery.

(00:24:38) Regulatory Challenges and Commercialization

The regulatory and commercialization challenges facing new medical technologies, including the need for industry partnerships and the role of the FDA

(00:26:20) Conclusion

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A best of episode where Russ interviews computer scientist and electrical engineer, Dorsa Sadigh. They had a fantastic conversation about the work she’s doing to train robots to better understand humans, and as she shares, it turns out that one key to this work is better understanding human behavior. If you’re curious about how we’re going to make human-robot interaction work, this is a great episode to tune into again. Enjoy.

Episode Reference Links:

• Dorsa Sadigh: Website
• Dorsa Sadigh: Stanford Profile
• Ep.171 - How do you Build a Better Robot? By Understanding People. YouTube / Website (original episode)

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Professor Dorsa Sadigh, a computer scientist and electrical engineer at Stanford.

(00:02:24) Bridging Robotics and Human Psychology

The journey from focusing solely on robotics to incorporating human behavioural insights to enhance robot design and functionality.

(00:05:31) Blending Cognitive Science and Robotics

The integration of cognitive science with robotics to build better computational models of human behaviour.

(00:07:35) Addressing Suboptimal Human Decision Making

Exploring human decision-making biases and their impact on robot interaction, with focus on bounded rationality and prospect theory.

(00:10:39) Robot Adaptations to Human Imperfections

How robots can adapt to human imperfections in collaborative tasks, using theories from behavioural economics.

(00:14:57) Training Robots and Humans for Better Interaction

Strategies for teaching both humans and robots to improve their interactions, including active teaching and understanding each other’s capabilities.

(00:18:41) Partner Modelling in Robotics

Insights into partner modelling in robotics, demonstrated through a scalable model in an air hockey game setup.

(00:21:54) Complex Multi-Agent Interactions

Addressing the dynamics of multi-agent systems like traffic, where autonomous and human-driven vehicles interact.

(00:24:11) Robots in Healthcare

The role of robots in healthcare, particularly in assistive technologies, and the challenges and advancements in this area.

(00:26:26) Conclusion

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We’re bringing back an episode about trust and AI. In a world where the use of Artificial Intelligence is exploding, guest computer scientist Carlos Guestrin shares insights from the work he’s doing to support the development of trust between humans and machines. We originally recorded this episode in 2022, but the insights are just as if not more relevant today. We hope you’ll take another listen and enjoy.

Episode Reference Links:

• Carlos Ernesto Guestrin (Stanford Profile)
• Carlos Guestrin (Carlos’ Website)
• Measuring Patients' Trust In Physicians When Assessing Quality Of Care (Paper Carlos discusses as comparison to his work with AI)
• Adding Glycemic And Physical Activity Metrics To A Multimodal Algorithm-Enabled Decision-Support Tool For Type 1 Diabetes Care (Carlos’ published paper about Stanford Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital diabetes type 1 project)
• XGBoost Documentation (Carlos’ out-source project)
• Ep.172 - Why AI Must Embody the Value of Its Users YouTube / Website (Original Episode)

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces the episode with guest Carlos Guestrin, a professor of computer science at Stanford, whose focus is bringing AI into broader use.

(00:02:58) Current Status of AI

The current capabilities of AI and machine learning and the widespread use and integration of these technologies.

(00:05:44) Deep Dive into Trust and AI

Three core components of trust in AI and how these factors influence the adoption and efficacy of AI systems.

(00:09:43) Technical Challenges in Implementing Trust

The challenges of translating the abstract concepts of trust into practical, implementable AI features.

(00:14:32) Enhancing AI Transparency and Generalization

Methods to improve AI’s generalisation capabilities and transparency.

(00:18:00) The Role of Open-Source in AI Development

The impact of open-source software on the AI field, highlighting the benefits of shared knowledge and collaborative advancements.

(00:22:34) AI in Healthcare

Healthcare and the use of AI in enhancing data-driven decisions in medical treatments.

(00:27:11) Conclusion

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Guest Anna Lembke is a psychiatrist and a specialist in the behavioral sciences who studies addiction. While there is tremendous variety in the things people can be addicted to, all forms are tied to dopamine, a biochemical that is key to human senses of pleasure, reward, and motivation. She says that new treatments are combining traditional abstinence with programs that help patients reenergize dopamine centers in the brain through physical exercise, which is a known producer of dopamine. If patients can reach 30 days of abstinence there is a good chance at recovery, Lembke tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Anna Lembke's Stanford Profile
• Anna Lembke's Website
• How do we fight the disease of addiction? (Anna's previous episode on The Future of Everything podcast)

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Professor Anna Lembke, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, and an expert on addiction.

(00:02:27) The Personal Nature of Addiction

Professor Lembke shares a personal story of addiction to romance novels, providing insight into how seemingly benign habits can become harmful addictions.

(00:06:02) The Brain Chemistry of Addiction

What happens in the brain during addiction, including dopamine's role in pleasure, reward, and the process of becoming addicted.

(00:11:10) Addressing Addiction in Healthcare

How the medical community has evolved in recognizing and treating addiction, partly due to the opioid epidemic.

(00:13:23) Strategies for Managing and Treating Addiction

Treatment approaches for addiction, including the concept of hormesis, and how engaging in challenging physical activities can help manage addictive behaviors.

(00:17:31) Treatment and Recovery from Addiction

Professor Lembke’s own experience with overcoming her addiction through self-intervention and “dopamine fasting”.

(00:22:05) The Addictive Personality and Genetic Vulnerabilities

The concept of an "addictive personality," genetic predispositions to addiction, and how these factors play into the challenge of treating and managing addiction.

(00:23:29) The Opioid Epidemic: Insights and Challenges

An update on the opioid epidemic, the rise of fentanyl, and the ongoing challenges in addressing opioid addiction.

(00:29:08) The Future of Addiction

The broader context of addiction in society, emphasizing the importance of addressing addiction to digital media and other non-substance-related addictions

(00:29:57) Conclusion

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