Machines, Medicine, and Mycelium: A Journey from Algorithms to Cancer Research to Bioluminescence

Why does your Social Media feed look nothing like your friend’s—even though you're on the same app? In this short talk, we’ll take a look behind the feed to explore how platforms use personalization to capture your attention. We’ll uncover how recommender systems can create filter bubbles, shaping what you see—and what you don’t. From viral videos to political opinions, these hidden algorithms influence how we think, feel, and engage with the world. Join us as we explore the invisible forces behind your feed—and why breaking the bubble might matter more than you think.

This presentation begins with an in-depth exploration of tumor pathogenesis, providing a clear understanding of how tumors develop. We will then dive deeper into cutting-edge cancer treatments, focusing on the latest drugs and their powerful mechanisms of action. Finally, we’ll discuss the rise of personalized therapies and how they are transforming healthcare costs and reshaping the structure of our health systems

"Foxfire" refers to the glowing phenomenon caused by bioluminescent fungi, first described by Aristotle over 2,400 years ago. For the first time, researchers at Empa have discovered how to recreate this natural glow by creating hybrid living materials—combining living organisms, like fungi, with non-living materials, such as wood. This approach harnesses the natural properties of living organisms and provides a sustainable application for Swiss hardwoods. The talk will explore the research behind bioluminescent wood, discussing its potential applications in sustainable design while highlighting how this innovative material could shape future technology and aesthetics.