Best of: How do we educate a new kind of engineer?

Rebecca Silverman is an expert in how humans learn to read. It’s a complex process, she says. First we must connect letters and sounds to decode words in texts. Researchers know a lot about the decoding process and how to teach it. But, beyond that, we must also comprehend what the words in texts are conveying. Comprehension is complex, and researchers know much less about the comprehension process and how to teach it, Silverman tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

•  Rebecca Silverman’s Research Lab: Language to Literacy Lab

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction to Reading Challenges 

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Rebecca Sliverman and her research into the complexities of reading.

(00:03:53) Decoding vs. Comprehension 

The breakdown of reading into decoding and comprehension, the challenges associated with each, and the lifelong process of improving these skills.

(00:07:18) Variability in Learning to Read  

How children learn to read, including the impacts of linguistic comprehension, memory and socio-emotional contexts.

(00:09:55) Cross-Cultural Differences in Reading 

The variability of reading acquisition across languages and cultures, highlighting the components of reading that vary in their developmental trajectory.

(00:11:35) Research Challenges and Interventions in Reading 

Current research on the challenges of reading, particularly in identifying and supporting children with difficulties.

(00:15:03) The Role of Technology in Reading 

The impact of technology on reading, the differences between reading on paper and digital formats, and the potential of educational technology in literacy development.

(00:20:38) Importance of Family in Reading Development

How families play a role in early reading, with emphasis on storytelling and culturally relevant practices. 

(00:23:52) Challenges for Teachers in Literacy Education

Responsibilities of teachers in teaching literacy and the need for comprehensive support and training for teachers.

(00:27:44) Future Directions and the Potential of AI 

Future research on AI in literacy education, and the importance of human oversight in technological interventions.

(00:29:29) Conclusion

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Professor and cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand’s latest book, Rule Makers, Rule Breakers, explores notions of what she calls “tight” and “loose” cultures, and how each shapes us as individuals and the world around us. Tight cultures closely follow unwritten cultural norms, while those on the looser side have more latitude. Culture is complicated, she says, but understanding its nuances is key to understanding the world, Gelfand tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Michele Gelfand Website / Bio
• Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight & Loose Cultures Wire Our World (Michele Gelfand’s Book)
• Mindset Quiz  (Quiz on Michele’s Website)
• Threat Dictionary
• Tight-Looseness Across the 50 United States  (PNAS paper on reclassifying states from red/blue to tight/loose)
• The Culturally Intelligent Negotiator: The Impact on Cultural Intelligence (CQ) on Negotiation Sequences & Outcomes   (Michele Gelfand & Lynn Imai Study)
• Differences Between Tight and Loose Cultures: 33 Nation Study (Michele’s study published in Science on factors that predict strict and permissive social norms)
• Together From Afar: Introducing a Diary Contact Technique for Improving Intergroup Relations  (US / Pakistan Study)

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ introduces Michele Gelfand and her research on the study of culture and cultural intelligence.

(00:02:33) Defining Culture

A working definition of culture and the invisible impact of cultural norms, values, and beliefs.

(00:03:46) The Tight-Loose Spectrum

The concept of tight and loose cultures and how social norms vary across cultures.

(00:06:30) Cultural Variance within and between Societies

Variations of tight-loose norms at national, state, and organizational levels,  and the role of threat in shaping these norms.

(00:11:34) Cultural Intelligence in Global Leadership

How the tight-loose spectrum and cultural studies inform leadership, and the significance of cultural intelligence (CQ) in global interactions.

(00:18:59) Cultural Evolutionary Mismatch

Implications for global threats and societal responses.

(00:23:56) Applying Cultural Insights in Business

Insights on applying cultural understanding to improve business mergers, negotiations, and the success of expatriate assignments.

(00:26:09) Enhancing Cultural Intelligence

Improving cultural intelligence and steps individuals can take to enhance their CQ and adapt to cultural differences.

(00:28:48) Urban vs. Rural Cultural Differences

Tight-loose division in politics and societal contexts, and the cultural divide between urban and rural areas.

(00:31:19) Conclusion

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We’re taking you into our archive of over 250 episodes to re-share an interview Russ Altman did in 2022 with Stanford Medicine Professor of Surgery, Carla Pugh.  Performing surgery is profoundly complex and requires precision, dexterity and lots of practice. Dr. Pugh shares about how she’s studying the movements of skilled surgeons to better understand what makes them successful, which can in turn help to improve training for new surgeons.

Episode Reference Links:

• Technology Enabled Clinical Improvement Center
• Dr. Pugh’s Research: Use of sensors to quantify procedural idle time 

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces the episode with Dr. Carla Pugh discussing her research studying the movements of surgeons to improve surgical training.

(00:02:27) Dr. Carla Pugh's Research and Goals
Introduction of Dr. Carla Pugh and her research utilizing sensor technology to quantify physician performance and the long-term goals of her research.

(00:04:32) Wearable Sensors in Surgical Training
How wearable sensors are being used, and the reaction of surgeons to being monitored.

(00:06:21)  Expertise Identification & Universality of Movement
How idle time and motion tracking can distinguish between novice and expert surgeons  & how expert surgeons exhibit similar motion patterns.

(00:10:10) Expert vs. Novice Surgeon Behaviors
Observed differences in speed and precision between expert and novice surgeons, & working volume.

(00:12:48) Ethical Considerations
The ethical considerations of measuring surgeon performance, with a focus on
managing the careers of aging surgeons through data-driven decisions.

(00:16:03) The Role of Robotics in Surgery
The current and future roles of robots in surgery, debunking myths, setting realistic expectations & how this research can be applied.

(00:20:29) Demand for Robotic Surgery and Tech Trust
Patients' trust in technology and robots for surgery and the pitfalls of relying too much on the technology, using orthopedic surgery as a specific example.

(00:23:07) Preserving Human Skills in Medicine
Dr. Pugh elaborates the importance of capturing human surgical skills amidst the rise of automation in order to maintain a record of traditional practices.

(00:24:49) Evolution of Surgical Procedures and Techniques
The evolution of surgical procedures due to technological advancements, and how surgeons transition between different surgical technologies.

(00:27:17) Conclusion

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Mark Skylar-Scott is one of the world’s foremost experts on the 3D printing of human tissue, cell by cell. It’s a field better known as bioprinting. But Skylar-Scott hopes to take things to a level most never imagined. He and his collaborators are working to bioprint an entire living, working human heart. We’re printing biology, Skylar-Scott tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Skylar-Scott Lab

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces the episode, guest Mark Skylar-Scott and his work bioprinting the heart.

(00:02:15) What is Bioprinting & Tissue Engineering?

Explanation of bioprinting and its distinction from traditional 3D printing. Overview of the technology and its applications in tissue engineering and how to get the cells for this purpose.

(00:06:37) Engineering the Cells of the Heart

The 11 different cell types of the heart that are being created, and the steps involved in printing them, scaffolding them, and how they form tissue.

(00:12:23) Building Hearts: Size and Growth Considerations

The scale of bio-printed hearts, potential strategies for growth and integration, & technical challenges in controlling cell growth and development. 

(00:15:05) Scaling Up Cell Production

The importance of scaling up cell production for efficient experimentation. Exploration of the transition from laboratory research to clinical implementation. 

(00:18:40) Vascularization: The Key to Functional Bioprinted Organs

Critical importance of creating a comprehensive vascular network & the challenges of integrating capillaries and ensuring nutrient delivery to all cells. 

(00:23:00) Ethical Considerations in Bioprinting

Examination of the ethical issues surrounding the use of human cells in bioprinting, focusing on consent and the potential for inequality in access due to cost.

(00:26:12) The Future of Bioprinting: Timeline and Field Dynamics

Projections about the timeline for the clinical application of bio-printed organs and the state of collaborative competition within the fabrication field. 

(00:28:28) Conclusion

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Cognitive scientist Michael Frank studies differences in how children and AI learn language. There is a “data gap” between the billions of words ChatGPT has to work with and the millions of words a toddler is exposed to. But, says Frank, children learn in a rich social context that supports their learning. He’s currently conducting the “BabyView Study,” where he puts cameras on young children's heads to help him understand their learning experience, as Frank tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Wordbank: An open database of children's vocabulary development
• ManyBabies
• The SAYCam
• BabyView Study

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman, host, introduces the episode's focus on the future of language learning and guest, Michael Frank, an expert on how children acquire language

(02:05) Child Vs AI Language Acquisition

Child language acquisition and the comparison with AI systems like ChatGPT, the differences in language learning between humans and AI, including the vast data exposure AI systems have compared to children.

(05:23) Data-driven Approaches

The importance of big data in understanding language acquisition and the Wordbank database.

(08:04) The Early Stages of Language Learning

The universal aspects of language learning across different languages and cultures, specifically babbling and its evolution into language-specific sounds.

(10:30) Exploring Multimodal Language Learning

Introduction to the SAYcam project, and the BabyView study both using camera footage from children to gather multimodal information. 

(13:12) Social Learning and Language Acquisition

Insights into how social interactions and grounded contexts facilitate children's language learning. Exploration of active learning strategies in children.

(18:22) The ManyBabies Project

A Global research consortium to understand child development across cultures, their first study documented infants' global preference for infant-directed speech. Michael outlines the funding challenges

(21:28) Understanding Pragmatics and AI Common Sense

Explanation of pragmatics in language acquisition and its importance in social cognition and inference making. The connection between pragmatic language skills in children and the challenge of instilling common sense in AI systems.

(24:21) The Role of Reading in Language Learning

The benefits of reading to children for language development while still recognizing diverse learning paths and early auditory learning.

(27:54) Multilingualism and Early Learning Flexibility

The natural ease of learning multiple languages in childhood  and when and why the flexibility in language learning begins to decline.

(30:35) Conclusion

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We’re re-running an important episode on Alzheimer’s disease — a topic that touches many people. We still don’t have a complete understanding of the disease and that makes it hard to design effective therapies. In 2022, Russ Altman sat down with mechanical engineer Ellen Kuhl who offered a glimpse into the way she’s using computational modeling to help improve our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction 
Russ introduces the episode on Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its global impact, challenges treating it, and Dr. Ellen Kuhl’s research on it.

(00:02:08) The Approach and Research Methods
Ellen Kuhl discusses her lab's interdisciplinary approach, and method of using existing data to create dynamic models to study the brain's lifecycle and degeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

(00:03:46) Key Features of Alzheimer's Disease and Detection
Biomarkers of Alzheimer's, their role in brain cell death and cognitive decline, and the possibilities for early detection methods of these protein issues.

(00:07:20) How Computational Models Function
How the models integrate various data points and physics principles to comprehensively understand Alzheimer's progression.

(00:08:43) Spread of the Disease
Exploring the mechanisms of how Alzheimer's spreads from cell to cell in the brain, and the progression through the lobes of the brain, regardless of the cause genetic or trauma induced.

(00:12:33) Interdisciplinary Collaboration 
The challenges and benefits of working as a mechanical engineer in Alzheimer's research and the opportunities of a multidisciplinary approach.

(00:14:33) Alzheimer's Drug Development 
Modeling a controversial Alzheimer's drug, its potential impact, and the importance of early diagnosis for effective treatment.

(00:16:04) Transition to COVID Research and Modeling
How the Alzheimer's model was rapidly adapated to study the spread of COVID-19, drawing parallels between brain regions and city networks.

(00:18:38) Covid Modeling Learnings and Applications
How their COVID models highlighted the importance of asymptomatic transmission and helped governments with reopening strategies.

(00:20:24) Responsible Model Application 
The rampant and at times irresponsible use of  models during the pandemic, and metrics for measuring credibility of models

(00:23:59) COVID Data Sharing
The positive legacy of COVID-19, focusing on the accelerated progress facilitated by open and transparent data sharing.

(00:24:53) Model Interpretability and Closing
Insights into the importance of model interpretability and the value of reducing complexity to enhance understanding.

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Ran Abramitzky studies the economic history of immigration by tapping into now-public government records and using AI to chart changing attitudes on immigration captured in written documents and official speeches. What’s revealed is a remarkable story that often diverges from conventional wisdom. Not all streets were paved with gold, Abramitzky tells host Russ Altman, himself a descendant of immigrants, on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Russ Altman introduces the episode's focus on immigration myths, and the data story behind them with economist Ran Abramitzky.

(00:01:56) The Methods & Data used 
Ran explains his approach to researching immigration using quantitative methods, data sets, and text analysis.

(00:03:39) Who is an Immigrant?
A conversation on the scope of the term 'immigrant' and the focus on voluntary immigration in this work

(00:05:01) Personal Anecdotes and Immigrant Experiences
Russ & Ran discuss the truth behind opportunities presented through immigration, illustrated by Russ’s family experience. 

(00:07:11) The Rags to Riches Myth
Debunking this story, looking at the economic status of immigrants on arrival and the generational improvements, often driven by taking jobs beneath their skill levels.

(00:09:17) Cultural Assimilation
Examining the cultural assimilation of immigrants, including marriage patterns, naming children, and citizenship.

(00:10:53) Current Relevance of Historical Immigration Patterns
The consistency of historical immigration trends across nationalities and generation, despite policy changes regarding borders

(00:13:09) Crime Myths
Exploration of resistance to immigration, debunking of myths linking immigrants to increased crime rates,  incarceration data

(00:15:39) Historical and Contemporary Polarization
Examining how political rhetoric and attitudes towards immigrants have evolved over the last 150 years, focusing on polarization.

(00:18:00) Immigrant Beliefs on Immigration
Discussion on how immigrants' attitudes towards immigration change after settling in the U.S.

(00:20:34) Refugees & Ellis Island Interviews
Interviews with immigrants from Ellis Island provide insights into the experiences of refugees versus economic immigrants and the convergence of immigrant paths by the second or third generation.

(00:24:36) Impact of Research on Government Policy
The influence, or lack, of immigration research on government policy and public perception. Abramitzky shares the importance of a long-term view of immigration success.

(00:27:15) Conclusion

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We’re re-releasing a wonderful episode about the positive impact art has on individual and societal health. Guest Deborah Cullinan, vice president for the arts at Stanford, shares how including just 10-20 minutes of art in your day — whether through drawing or dancing to your favorite song — can contribute to improved health. Her insights remind us, and hopefully will remind you as well, that art plays a valuable role in both individual and societal well being. 

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:02:04) The Power & Appreciation of Art

Discussion on the societal shift and increased appreciation and demand  for art activities.

(00:05:30) Expansive Definition of Art 

Discussion on potential pushback and challenges in defining art boundaries.

(00:07:55) Art and Health 

The intersection of art and health, emphasizing its significance and the book “Your Brain on Art” and some of the neuroscience based benefits.

(00:11:33) Art in Healthcare 

Highlighting some of the programs integrating art and healthcare at Stanford including, Stanford Medicine's program "Medicine in the Muse" art programs for healthcare providers, and supporting mental health services for students.

(00:13:30) Micro Art Moments 

The potential benefits of small doses of art and demand for art programs 

(00:15:19) Fluidity in Creating and Consuming Art 

The symbiotic relationship between creators and consumers of art and the way creating makes you appreciate art more.

(00:18:04) Technology and the Arts 

(00:22:44) Exciting Art Collaborations at Stanford

(00:25:53) The Importances of Art Spaces as safe spaces and community hubs

(00:28:27) Conclusion

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As the pandemic made a doctor visit as easy as a Zoom call and computer vision proved able to distinguish a benign blemish from something more worrisome, guest Eleni Linos, MD, DrPH, grew fascinated with the many ways digital technologies will impact all of medicine, not just her specialty, dermatology. She now believes the future of digital health is the future of health, period. But much work remains to ensure those benefits extend to every sector of society. Linos previews the future of digital health for host and fellow physician Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces Professor Eleni Linos and they discuss a future where digital health encompasses all aspects of healthcare and how we have moved towards that. 

(02:10) Defining Digital Health

The challenge of defining digital health and envisioning a future where it integrates seamlessly into healthcare without differentiation.

(03:33) Dermatology and Digital Health

Eleni explains her interest in digital tools for dermatology, how they have been applied in dermatology and why they are useful.

(06:41) Challenges in Examining Diverse Skin Types

Addressing challenges in dermatological exams for patients with diverse skin tones and backgrounds.

(09:05) Impact on Patients and Health Disparities

Assessing patient reactions & benefits to remote interactions and studying health disparities concerning age, ethnicity, and technology literacy.

(10:56) LLMs, Digital Health, & Bias

How large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are used in digital health, and their biases, and the need for and how Dr. Linos is working to reduce these.

(15:24) Empathy and AI 

Dr. Linos tells a personal story about empathy demonstrated by Chat GPT, and reflects on the potential of AI to enhance patient interactions and care.

(18:47) Social Media in Public Health

Insights into leveraging social media for public health campaigns, the strategies used to influence behavioral changes in specific demographics, and how it was employed during COVID

(24:33) Challenges in Digital Medicine Education

Exploring the challenges & opportunities in preparing future clinicians for a digital medicine-infused future. 

(28:20) Stanford Center for Digital Health

The vision and purpose of the Center for Digital Health at Stanford, emphasizing the collaboration between academia, tech companies, and a global perspective to tackle future health challenges.

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To kick off 2024, we’re bringing you an episode that’s been one of our most popular. The timing is just right as many of us are headed into the new year thinking about how to live better. In this episode, Professor Helen Blau, a stem cell biologist, tells us all about how she’s recruiting stem cells to regenerate youthful muscle in older people. We’re thrilled to bring this episode out of the archives for another listen and renewed hope about possibilities ahead in the world of health.  Happy New Year from Russ and the team here at The Future of Everything. 

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction & Importance of Muscles in Aging
Host Russ Altman introduces the episode, the ways that muscles weakening with age affects us, and how guest, Professor Helen Blau’s work with stem cells  is addressing this.

(00:02:03) Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

The goals of regenerative medicine in enhancing the quality of life as people age. Overview of different types of stem cells and their potential.

(00:04:28) Focus on Muscle: Sarcopenia and Aging

Emphasizing the desire to age well, and the centrality of muscles in daily activities and how they atrophy with age.

(00:07:44) Approaches to Combating Muscle Aging

Lack of available drugs addressing muscle wasting and potential research directions. Targeting stem cells and mature muscle fibers for rejuvenation.

(00:09:09) Lab Discoveries and Challenges

Dr.  Blau's lab experiments to identify and maintain functional stem cells, the breakthrough in bioengineering microenvironments & it’s impact.

(00:12:41) Stem Cell Rejuvenation

Insights into rejuvenating stem cell functions through cell therapy that lead to. 

(00:14:37) Inflammatory Pathways and Stem Cell Response

Dr Blau explains the importance of the wave of inflammation for stem cells, and the discoveries this lead to. 

(00:17:55) Broad-Scale Muscle Rejuvenation

Exploring systemic alterations targeting inflammation pathways for global muscle regeneration. Identification of PGE-2 degrading enzyme and results of limiting this enzyme.

(00:21:33) Human Trials, Challenges & Drug Development

Discussion on the prospects of translating findings to human treatments and developing an oral drug

(00:24:42) Timeline and Clinical Trials

Anticipated timelines for the drug's availability for human trials and potential applications.

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