Science Cafes Growing In Popularity

Nov. 13 - KGO (KGO) -- For years, Bay Area bars and cafes have used music to attract customers. Well now there's a new draw packing in the crowds -- science. You might call it: eat, drink and learn -- a combination that's fueling people's Drive to Discover.

It's standing room only at the Bazaar Cafe in San Francisco's Richmond District. The star attraction is not a musician or celebrity -- it's a brain researcher.

Dr. Adam Gazzaley, UCSF: "It's true. I'm not making it up."

This is "Ask A Scientist" night. Customers can enjoy good food and drink and get a taste of science at the same time.

Dr. Adam Gazzaley, UCSF: "It's your cortex, that's where the neurons are located and then they communicate with each other & sort of like highways through axons."

Dr. Adam Gazzaley spends most of his time doing cutting edge research on memory and what happens to the brain as people age.

On "Ask A Scientist" night, he steps outside his lab to share information with anyone who wants to listen.

Mike Holaday, Corte Madera: "I love these small venues where you can actually interact with the scientist and ask him questions."

"Ask A Scientist" happens once a month with a different speaker each time. Most of the audience comes to learn about science but it's a social event too.

One couple was on a date.

Woman: "It's a science date."

Man: "It's cozy, friendly."

Woman: "There are a lot of people here I would like to meet."

Another woman: "It's a non-threatening environment. You know you are not like in a classroom or anything. People are having their wine or whatever and they feel open to asking questions."

The science nights began about two years ago and they were an immediate hit.

Juliana Gallin, "Ask A Scientist" coordinator: "There've been nights when people can't get in because it's so packed."

The huge turnout at these events is part of a national trend -- a growing demand to bring science to the masses.

Tucker Hiatt, high school physics teacher: "It's evident in the sale of science books in books stores, of T.V. shows, The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel. There's a lot of science available."

Science cafe nights like the one in San Francisco first took off in Europe about eight or nine years ago. Most are called Cafe Scientique. They're coordinated by volunteers who've created a Web site showing their locations all over the world, including many in the United States.

One of the most popular science cafes is in the Silicon Valley. Crowds have been so big, organizers keep moving to larger and larger locations.

In January, the Cafe Scientique, Silicon Valley will reopen at SRI International in Menlo Park. Not quite the cozy cafe anymore, but it will still be an informal gathering where people can talk about science.

Walter Moos, SRI International: "When one presents at that lay public level, one often gets questions that you haven't thought about, one gets a perspective that you haven't though about."

Most science cafes are free, though you do pay for any food you order.

You can ask questions, take notes but there's never a final exam.

In addition to the science cafes in San Francisco and Menlo Park, another is about to open in Berkeley.

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