Interdisciplinary Research

Top Stories

seismograph / cigdem/Shutterstock

Stanford scientists develop 'Shazam for earthquakes'

A new algorithm designed to find matching seismic signals in large earthquake databases could find previously missed microquakes.

James Bond pointing his gun with vinyl records surrounding him / Oxford University Press

Stanford scholars spy history of capitalist culture in Bond film songs

A musicologist and a literary scholar find a unique window into the evolution of capitalism and changing attitudes toward work in 50 years of James Bond movie theme songs.

stand of yellow cedar trees in Alaska / Courtesy Lauren Oakes

Climate change requires new conservation models, Stanford scientists say

In a world transformed by climate change and human activity, Stanford scientists say that conserving biodiversity and protecting species will require an interdisciplinary combination of ecological and social research methods.

student Meghan Shea diving with jellyfish in the Pacific / Meghan Shea

Stanford students spend summer seeking environmental solutions

A unique grant program provides mentorship for students doing solutions-oriented environmental fieldwork around the world and vital research assistance for faculty.

Heart cell

Tension helps heart cells develop normally in the lab, according to Stanford engineers

Scientists have discovered that getting stem cells to mimic normal adult heart cells – a critical step for eventually using them to test drugs – requires tension and a specific shape.

Sillhouette of corn with a large sun. Photo: Dave Weaver/Shutterstock.

Global warming 'hiatus' never happened, Stanford scientists say

A new study reveals that the evidence for a recent pause in the rate of global warming lacks a sound statistical basis.

Homestake Mine / Rachel Harris

Stanford scientists see how the brain makes environmental decisions

Brain scans reveal that negative emotional responses can powerfully drive decisions to protect environmental resources.

mayapple plants / Barry Blackburn/Shutterstock

Stanford scientists produce cancer drug from rare plant in lab to benefit human health

Stanford scientists produced a common cancer drug – previously only available from an endangered plant – in a common laboratory plant. This work could lead to a more stable supply of the drug and allow scientists to manipulate that drug to make it even safer and more effective.  

African American and white students in a classroom / Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Neighborhoods influence use of African American Vernacular English, Stanford research shows

Among African American youth, moving from a poor neighborhood to one with less poverty results in a lower use of African American Vernacular English, new Stanford research shows.

Stanford-India Biodesign fellows Debayan Saha, Shashi Ranjan and Harsh Sheth / Kurt Hickman

Biomedical innovation takes off in India, with Stanford roots

A program that blends India's frugal mindset with Stanford's entrepreneurial atmosphere has generated low-cost solutions to high-tech medical needs.