“Ask a Scientist” & Food Trucks: Neuroscience of Magic | SoMa

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Ask a Scientist: Fun Nerdy Lectures and Q&A | SF

Ask a Scientist is a casual, educational, entertaining lecture series that takes place at cafes and other informal venues around San Francisco.

The talks feature an expert 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 mysteries of the universe.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Neuroscience of Magic | Ask a Scientist: Fun Nerdy Lectures and Q&A | SF

Come meet UCSF neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley and magician Robert Strong as they team up to demonstrate how magicians use our brains as their accomplices in effecting the impossible — and to explain what scientists can learn about the brain by studying the methods and techniques of magic.

From ancient conjurers to quick-handed con artists to big ticket Las Vegas illusionists, magicians throughout the ages have been expertly manipulating human attention and perception to dazzle and delight us (or scare us, or steal our watches). Of course you know that the phenomena of cognitive and sensory illusions are responsible for the “magic” of a magic trick, but you’ve got to admit it still kind of freaks you out when some some guy in a top hat defies the laws of nature right in front of your eyes.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.