The Future of Everything

Nephrologist Manjula Tamura discusses the downsides of kidney dialysis, especially for old or frail patients. Her field has set its sights on offering alternatives, including supportive medical management without dialysis, dialysis in increments, wearable artificial kidneys, and transplanted kidneys from genetically modified pigs – in addition to advances in preventive care that can help humans avoid kidney failure in the first place. Dialysis can extend life, she says, but it is a lifestyle change. The goal is to ensure that every patient’s choice aligns with their values and life goals, Tamura 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: Manjula Kurella TamuraConnect 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, Manjula Tamura, a professor of medicine and nephrology at Stanford University Medical School.(00:02:58) The Kidney’s Vital RoleThe kidney’s role and why its failure is life-threatening.(00:04:51) Causes of Kidney FailureThe leading causes of kidney failure in developed countries.(00:07:58) Kidney TransplantationThe feasibility, barriers, and supply challenges of kidney transplantation.(00:09:50) The Dialysis ProcessHow hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis work and patient experiences.(00:14:07) The Evolution of Dialysis TreatmentThe history of dialysis and how Medicare’s expansion influenced its use.(00:18:48) Study Design: Emulating Clinical TrialsUsing VA electronic health records to simulate trials on dialysis.(00:25:31) Findings: Survival vs. Time at HomeThe trade-offs between extended survival and reduced time at home.(00:27:02) Quality of Life and DialysisMeasuring quality of life impacts through electronic health records.(00:30:32) The Future of Kidney TreatmentsInnovations like xenotransplantation and wearable artificial kidneys.(00:33:04) 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

Guest Renee Zhao works at the cutting-edge of robotic surgery – literally. Emboldened by advances in 3D-printing and miniaturization, she builds “millibots,” magnet-controlled, millimeter-scale soft robots that navigate the bloodstream to remove blood clots and treat brain aneurysms. While the millibot’s promise is clear, much work remains before the devices are commonplace. Revolutionizing health care with surgical robots will require a delicate balance of design, buildability, and functionality, Zhao 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:  Renee ZhaoConnect 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 Renee Zhao, a professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:34) Robotic Surgery and HealthcareRenee’s inspiration for soft robotics and its potential in healthcare applications.(00:05:49) Current Status of Robotic SurgeryCurrent robotic surgery technologies and the push for more advanced solutions.(00:09:32) Nature-Inspired Soft RoboticsHow soft robotic systems are ideal for working within delicate human tissues.(00:11:41) Millirobotic SystemsRecently developed millimeter-sized robots that swim and navigate blood vessels.(00:14:46) Millirobot ControlThe role of magnetic fields and imaging technology for robot navigation.(00:17:18) Treating Blood Clots and AneurysmsThe multifunctional abilities of robots to deliver drugs and treat blood clots.(00:19:46) Doctor’s Reaction to New TechnologyExcitement for the new robotic advancements amongst the need for better tools.(00:21:04) Trends in Robot Size and FunctionalityThe design challenges for creating small yet functional robots.(00:25:52) AI and Machine Learning in Robotic DesignAI’s role in optimizing robot design for specific patients.(00:28:59)  Why Millimeter-Scale RobotsWhy millirobots strike the right balance for performance and functionality.(00:32:34) 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

Happy New Year! For many of us, a new year brings a renewed sense of motivation when it comes to health. Earlier this year, Russ sat down to speak with Jonathan Long, a Stanford biochemist who studies the chemicals produced during exercise. The conversation was one of our most popular during 2024 and today we’re re-sharing it. As many of us look to create healthy habits in 2025, we hope you’ll tune in to hear the exciting research Professor Long is doing to better understand the deep chemical connections between diet, exercise, 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 quest. You can send questions to [email protected] Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Jonathan Z. LongJohnathan’s Lab: LongLab@StanfordConnect 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) IntroductionHost Russ Altman introduces guest Johnathan Long, a professor of pathology at Stanford University.(00:01:55) Effective Weight Loss DrugsThe history and development of GLP-1 receptor agonists.(00:03:27) Understanding Metabolism and ExerciseThe role of metabolic chemicals released during physical activity.(00:05:02) Animal Models in Exercise Studies The use of animal models in exercise studies and the discovery of Lac-Phe.(00:06:40) Psychological Preparation for Exercise The psychology of exercise preparation and the involvement of endocannabinoids.(00:08:53) Lac-Phe's Role and Mechanism Lac-Phe’s role in suppressing appetite and its production in the gut.(00:11:46) Differences in Exercise Response Exercise response between trained athletes and untrained individuals.(00:12:50) Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases The relationship between diabetes, exercise, and metabolic diseases.(00:14:54) Lac-Phe as a Potential Therapeutic Lac-Phe’s potential and parallels to the early stages of GLP-1 drug development.(00:16:13) Importance of How Weight is Lost The importance of losing fat while preserving lean muscle mass.(00:19:04) Exercise as Medicine The need to define physical activity at the same resolution as modern medicines.(00:22:03) Metformin and Exercise Pathways The unexpected connection between metformin and the Lac-Phe pathway.(00:23:53) Prospects of an Exercise Pill The future of an exercise pill, and challenges associated with its development.(00:26:57) 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

Happy Holidays! However you’re celebrating, we hope you’re able to find time to connect with friends, family, and loved ones. To accompany you through the season, we’re re-running one of our most popular episodes from 2024, the future of skin longevity with Professor Zakia Rahman. As an expert in dermatology, Professor Rahman explains that our skin is our most photographed organ, and taking care of it is not about vanity but rather vitality. Tune in to hear our conversation about everything from laser therapies to sun protection.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: Zakia RahmanStanford Center on LongevityConnect 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) IntroductionHost Russ Altman introduces guest Zakia Rahman, a professor of dermatology at Stanford University.(00:02:05) The Impact of Digital Technologies How digital technologies and image exposure affect dermatology and self-perception.(00:03:20) Effects of Self-Image on Dermatology Balancing vanity and vitality in modern skincare trends.(00:04:46) The Role of Lasers in Dermatology The use of laser technology in dermatology, including types and applications.(00:08:25) Lasers in Skin Cancer Treatment How laser technology aids in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer.(00:09:52) Progress in Skin Cancer Skin cancer prevention and the effectiveness of sun protection measures.(00:13:10) Effectiveness of Physical Sun Protection The protective benefits of everyday clothing versus specialized sun-protective gear.(00:18:35) Ethnic Differences in Skin Health The differences in skin health and sun exposure across various ethnic groups.(00:23:24) Aesthetic and Cultural Implications in Skin Care How cultural perceptions of beauty intersect with skincare and overall health.(00:25:46) Therapeutic Effects of Light The potential skincare benefits of red light therapy and its popularity.(00:28:33) 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