Modern science is evolving faster than laboratory fruit flies. 
How are busy, curious people supposed to keep up with all the latest information? Even if you read Scientific American and watch Nova faithfully, you still probably wind up with more questions than answers.
Ask a Scientist is an informative, entertaining, monthly lecture series, held at a San Francisco cafe. Each event features a speaker on a scientific topic, a short presentation, and the opportunity to ask all those burning questions that have been keeping you up at night. No tests, grades, or pressure…just food, drinks, socializing, and conversation about the universe’s most fascinating mysteries!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Ask a Scientist is on summer vacation.
If you're looking for something fun to do,
check out How-To Night at Bazaar Cafe and
all these other science events and resources.
Tuesday, May 11, 7:00 pm
Topic: Science of the Bay Bridge
When the Bay Bridge was built back in 1933 it was heralded as a man-made wonder — the largest and most expensive bridge of its time. But not much was known about earthquakes back then. Even if you didn't live in the Bay Area in 1989, you probably recall the horrific images of the collapsed upper deck after the Loma Prieta earthquake. To help prevent such a scene from recurring, the western span of the bridge was retroffited; and the more vulnerable eastern span needed to be completely replaced. The awesome engineering of the new span hides ingenious seismic innovations within its simple-looking design. Learn about this marvel of modern engineering, and discuss the recent incidents that have raised public concern and curiosity about this colossal and critical project. Tonight's event is presented in collaboration with KQED's QUEST Science and Environment Series. We'll start the evening by watching QUEST's "The New Bay Bridge" video.
Speakers: Marwan Nader, Bay Bridge Lead Design Engineer; and Bart Ney, Caltrans Spokesperson
Location: Horatius, 350 Kansas (btw. 16th & 17th) San Francisco
Cost: $3 suggested donation to help cover seating rental, plus please support our generous hosts at Horatius with a purchase of food or drinks.
To join the Ask a Scientist mailing list, sign up here.
NEW SF EVENT! "How-To Night" at Bazaar Cafe
Learn how to do all kinds of fun stuff at my new monthly "How-To" series. 2nd Weds of each month at Bazaar Cafe. On Weds Feb 10th, learn how to do magic tricks with magician Robert Strong. More info.
Amateur astronomers share their scopes after Jennifer Heldman's talk about the moon. Oct '08. See more photos.
Finally, watch AaS online:
Several of our recent talks are now available for online viewing, thanks to Fora.tv. More to come.
Ask a Scientist
has been making news
Read about Ask a Scientist in Chemical Heritage Newsmagazine. Spring 2009.
Ask a Scientist is the SF Bay Guardian's "Best Place to Get an Expert Opinion." (PDF)
And 7x7 Magazine calls us San Francisco's "Best Way to Get Smart Quick."
Visit our press page for more.
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