Pint of Science Festival - San Francisco

Ever wanted to learn science without the difficult jargon? How about talking to a scientist over a beer? Because we could all agree that learning science is more fun with a cold pint in your hand.

Revolutionary capabilities in the life sciences, political and social instability, and terrorism

The ongoing revolution in life sciences provides critical insights and radically new capabilities to greater numbers of global participants. While most outcomes are beneficial, a small number of discoveries and capabilities pose unusual risks for misuse and widespread harm to humans, animals, plants and the larger ecosphere. What should be the process by which a consensus is reached about the identification and management of such work? What are the moral and ethical responsibilities of life scientists?

Speaker: David Relman, Stanford

Using electromagnetic fields to overclock your brain

Recent years have seen an exponential increase in use of electromagnetic fields trying to enhance brain function, but you're just not sure whether you're ready to zap your brain with an electric current or an intense magnetic field. This talk will give you the pros, cons, fact and fiction, of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Armed with this information, you can decide for yourself whether to be content with who you are or try electromagnetic stimulation in hopes to overclock your brain.

Speaker: Ted Zanto, UC San Francisco