The Future of Everything

The future of coronary heart disease

Heart disease should be treated just like cancer, says guest Mike McConnell, an author and expert in preventive cardiology at Stanford: Detect and stage early, then treat aggressively. In his practice, McConnell focuses on using low-dose CT imaging for detecting early coronary artery disease. He also helped pioneer the use of AI to infer cardiovascular risk from retinal scans. Such non-invasive, consumer-friendly tools could expand prevention, personalize therapy, and cut heart attacks and strokes across the board, he says. “Everybody also deserves a proactive preventive cardiologist in their phone,” McConnell tells host Russ Altman of the latest approaches to heart disease 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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Michael V. McConnell, MD, MSEE Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Michael McConnell, a professor of cardiology at Stanford University. (00:03:02) Reframing Heart Disease Why coronary disease should be approached the same as cancer. (00:05:46) Core Risk Factors The key drivers of cardiovascular disease, and life’s essential eight. (00:07:18) Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring How low-dose CT scanning detects disease before symptoms develop. (00:08:57) The Limits of Stress Testing Why traditional stress tests often miss early coronary disease. (00:10:18) AI in Cardiac Imaging Using AI to identify hidden risks in routine chest scans. (00:11:30) Retinal Imaging How AI analysis of retinal blood vessels can predict heart disease risk. (00:14:55) Detecting Risk Before Symptoms Why retinal and vascular changes occur long before clinical signs appear. (00:15:58) Staging Coronary Disease Using calcium scores to stage coronary disease and personalize treatment. (00:19:36) Direct-to-Consumer Prevention The rise of mobile health records, wearable devices, and AI tools. (00:22:23) Opportunities & System Challenges Balancing accessibility, guideline-based care, and healthcare system capacity. (00:25:26) AI-Powered Health Record Analysis The potential of automated reviews to identify silent risk factors. (00:27:41) Physician Adoption & System Friction Barriers to integrating early detection tools into clinical practice. (00:30:12) Advances in Treatment Overview of current cholesterol therapies and plaque stabilization. (00:33:31) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: prevention, implementation science, and future hopes. (00:35:38) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The future of eating disorders

Psychiatrist Jennifer Derenne specializes in eating disorders. Most eating disorders begin in adolescence, but they can appear much earlier – or later – in life, too. To begin healing, Derenne works with an interdisciplinary team to first stabilize and renourish her patients and uses evidence-based psychotherapy that incorporates strong family involvement. Recent clinical studies are exploring the use of psychedelics to open new avenues for treating these notoriously hard-to-treat illnesses. Eating disorders are a life-threatening medical condition, Derenne asserts, telling host Russ Altman that “food is the best medicine” 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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Jennifer L. Derenne, MDConnect 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 Jennifer Derenne, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University.(00:03:11) Studying Eating DisordersJennifer’s path from pediatrics to psychiatry and studying eating disorders.(00:03:44) Types of Eating DisordersA breakdown of the main diagnoses and what distinguishes them.(00:04:59) Who Gets Eating Disorders?The age ranges of those affected and when symptoms first appear.(00:05:46) Disordered Vs. Normal EatingDistinguishing common weight concerns from dangerous dysfunction.(00:07:15) Treating Teen Eating DisordersWhy family involvement is crucial and treatment focuses on behaviors.(00:08:56) Genetics & Social MediaThe different risk factors that can contribute to disordered eating.(00:10:08) Smartphones & Mental HealthThe impact of smartphones on the development of coping mechanisms.(00:12:32) Transitioning to CollegeWhy mental health can destabilize during the move to independence.(00:15:51) Treating Eating DisordersThe multidisciplinary approach to treating disordered eating.(00:18:39) Supervision & SafetyThe importance of supervision and medical follow-ups to help prevent relapse.(00:21:03) AI in Adolescent Psychiatry​​The pros and cons of AI tools in adolescent mental health support.(00:25:21) The Limits of MedicationHow medications often target comorbidities rather than the eating disorder itself.(00:27:08) Psychedelics ResearchEmerging studies on using psychedelics in the treatment of eating disorders.(00:29:47) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: curiosity, treatment optimism, and becoming a book editor.(00:31:48) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Best of: The future of allergies

Spring is right around the corner and as the weather changes and things begin to bloom, that also means the onset of allergy season. Last fall, we sat down with Tina Sindher who shared that while allergies may be affecting more people worldwide, prevention is playing catch up. If you’re someone or know someone who lives with environmental or food allergies, we hope you’ll tune into this episode to hear some of Tina’s strategies for better managing these conditions.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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode 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.(00:01:50) Inside the Immune ResponseWhy our immune systems trigger allergic reactions.(00:03:31) Genes vs. EnvironmentWhether genetics or environment drive allergy risks.(00:06:39) The Microbiome FactorThe role of the microbiome and early exposures in prevention.(00:07:51) A Global Allergy SurgeHow global allergy trends reveal rising health challenges.(00:10:29) Potent Food TriggersWhy some foods cause stronger and faster reactions.(00:12:23) Emerging RisksWhether Alpha-Gal signals new emerging allergy risks.(00:14:21) Multi-Food AllergiesHow multi-food allergies complicate diagnosis and treatment.(00:17:36) Preventing Allergies EarlyWhy early food introduction may help prevent allergies.(00:19:28) Skin’s Role in AllergiesThe importance of infant skin health in allergy development.(00:22:13) Testing LimitationsThe limits of current testing methods to truly diagnose allergies.(00:23:47) Standard Testing ProcedureThe current methodologies deployed when testing for allergies.(00:26:02) New TherapiesHow new therapies like OIT and Xolair are reshaping treatment.(00:30:24) The Future of AllergiesThe potential of combined therapies to aid in allergy treatment.(00:33:07) Managing Seasonal AllergiesHow to manage seasonal allergies effectively at home.(00:35:41) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The future of entrepreneurship

Chuck Eesley, a professor of management science and engineering, studies entrepreneurship across diverse contexts – from refugee entrepreneurs in Uganda to semiconductor startups navigating U.S.-China economic policy. His research on recent export controls revealed a counterintuitive outcome: Rather than solely strengthening U.S. semiconductor innovation, these policies accelerated Chinese investment in its own domestic chip industry, boosting startups there as much as – or more than – here. This finding underscores how global technology markets are deeply interconnected: Barriers can produce unintended consequences that accelerate innovation abroad rather than protecting it at home. Open technology trade and investment create larger markets for American innovations, strengthen collaborative partnerships, and demonstrate that interconnected markets drive progress for all participants. “Entrepreneurial talent exists everywhere,” Eesley 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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Charles (Chuck) EesleyConnect 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 Chuck Eesley, a professor of management and engineering at Stanford University.(00:03:04) Why Study Entrepreneurship?Chuck explains why entrepreneurs are drivers of modern economic growth.(00:03:30) Defining EntrepreneurshipBroad vs. narrow entrepreneurship, from startups to large organizations.(00:04:33) Institutional EnvironmentsHow policies and culture both shape entrepreneurial outcomes.(00:05:44) Studying Institutions & EntrepreneurshipMeasuring ​institutional shifts to isolate entrepreneurial outcomes.(00:08:12) Founder & Talent IncentivesWhat’s needed for high-opportunity-cost talent to start companies.(00:09:36) AI EntrepreneurshipThe impact of data and compute concentration on startup dynamism.(00:11:28) Designing AI RegulationHistorical examples of regulation enabling startups to compete fairly.(00:13:43) Incentives Inside Big TechWhy some incumbents support startups while others tilt the playing field.(00:15:28) Ad Placement & Misinformation FundingHow digital advertising can unintentionally fund low-credibility content.(00:21:24) Misinformation Market SolutionThe disclosure mechanisms that may reduce misinformation incentives.(00:25:23) Semiconductors & EntrepreneurshipThe importance of startups in a field often dominated by large incumbents.(00:29:30) Unintended Policy EffectsHow U.S. policy may be accelerating Chinese semiconductor investments.(00:31:09) Competing Industrial PoliciesWhy evaluation and iteration are essential for effective policy design.(00:32:31) Global EntrepreneurshipEmerging entrepreneurship models spreading across regions and contexts.(00:36:26) The Universal Entrepreneurial MindsetShared entrepreneurial traits across cultures, contexts, and countries.(00:37:14) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: democratizing entrepreneurship, context, and equitable inclusivity.(00:41:02) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The future of substance abuse in youth

Developmental psychologist Bonnie Halpern-Felsher specializes in teenage health-related decision-making, especially in their use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and other substances. Young people, she says, value immediate social benefits over long-term risks. In response, she supports bans on flavored nicotine products and has developed nationally and internationally used evidence-based substance use prevention and intervention programs, including some that are culturally targeted, such as her vaping prevention curriculum in Hawaii zeroing in on popular flavors like mango and poi. The reward, she says, is reduced substance use and better mental health. “Talk to your kids. Don’t lecture. Have a conversation,” Halpern-Felsher tells host Russ Altman of the best way to break through 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 thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: ​​Bonnie Halpern-FelsherHalpern-Felsher REACH 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 Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a developmental psychologist at Stanford University.(00:03:52) Focus on Youth Substance UseBonnie explains her focus on studying substance behaviors in adolescents.(00:05:32) Current Trends in Youth HealthThe mixed indicators across behavior and mental health in youth.(00:08:46) Effective Health CommunicationWhy long-horizon risk messaging often underperforms in adolescents.(00:11:16) Policy Translation & AdvocacyHow Bonnie translates research findings into policy advocacy.(00:13:54) School-Based Prevention ProgramsAn overview of evidence-based curricula and target age groups.(00:15:04) Measuring Program ImpactThe evaluation approaches and challenges of the prevention programs.(00:16:41) Youth Dependence & CessationWhy addiction develops quickly and the limited treatment options.(00:18:18) Program Adaptation Across ContextsHow curricula are localized without redesigning core methods.(00:21:00) Youth-Oriented Product MarketingThe strategies used by substance industries to market to youth.(00:23:38) Cannabis Potency & Health RiskThe link between higher THC concentrations and medical outcomes.(00:26:48) Patterns of Cannabis UseThe common modes of cannabis use and related exposure risks.(00:28:10) Early Exposure & Prevention NeedsThe reports of substance exposure and use at increasingly early ages.(00:29:10) Guidance for CaregiversPractical guidance for caregivers concerned about substance use.(00:31:23) Future In a MinuteRapid-fire Q&A: asking for help, substance regulation, and alternate degree.(00:33:37) 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.