Brilliant!Science: Decoding Human Health

Thursday, January 24 at 12:00 pm

An Intimate Conversation with Dr. Leor Weinberger, Associate Investigator, Gladstone Institutes

Hosted by Dr. Shannon Bennett, Associate Curator of Microbiology, California Academy of Sciences

We’ve made substantial progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS over the past three decades, but the epidemic continues to ravage humankind—especially in the developing world. Everywhere, viruses such as HIV compete with their hosts in an evolutionary ‘arms race’—building resistance to the latest therapies in order to maintain their deadly hold on our species. What if we could turn HIV on its head by hijacking the very virus that ravages the body, and transforming it into a cure? Join HIV expert Dr. Leor Weinberger as he reveals his revolutionary approach to halting the global AIDS epidemic. This special lecture will be hosted by Dr. Shannon Bennett, Associate Curator of Microbiology at the California Academy of Sciences.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for Academy and Commonwealth members and $7 for students (with valid ID). Academy members should use code: casforweinberger during checkout and please bring your Membership ID to the event. Purchase tickets in advance at www.commonwealthclub.org or by calling (415) 597-6700. This lecture takes place at the Commonwealth Club, 595 Market Street, 2nd Floor.

Thursday, January 24 from 6:00-10:00 pm

Every Thursday night, music, creatures and cocktails come together for NightLife at the Academy. As part of Brilliant!Science: Decoding Human Health, and in partnership with the Gladstone Institutes, this week’s event features hands-on demonstration stations that allow guests to use microscopes and learn about our microbiomes—the plethora of microbes which colonize our bodies every day. Compare the hearts and brains of animals to those of humans, learn about the latest infectious disease research and step inside a mad scientist photo booth. Academy microbiologist Shannon Bennett will discuss the evolution of the viruses she has spent her career chasing, and expedition medicine expert Dr. Matt Lewin will share fascinating virus case studies. To complement the micro-focus, guests can nibble on bite-sized desserts and sip micro-brewed beers. Music by Grown Kids Radio.

Tickets are $12 per person/$10 for Academy members. This event is for adults 21+ with valid ID. Purchase tickets in advance at www.calacademy.org/tickets/nl.php or by calling (415) 379-8000. This event takes place at the California Academy of Sciences.

Friday, January 25 from 6:00-9:00 pm

Nosh on free tacos and beer while you mix and mingle with Academy and Gladstone scientists, exploring the human body as an art form—from brain to bone. The evening will feature cutting-edge science displays from the Academy and Gladstone Institutes, U.S. home to research built on a breakthrough that won a Gladstone scientist the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Pick the brains of Academy and Gladstone scientists, who will don white lab coats as they mingle with guests while you viewing scientific images on exhibit and body systems highlighted through body painting.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for Academy members. Refreshments included with admission. Purchase tickets by calling (415) 379-8000, or online here: members / non-members. Tickets at the door will be available for purchase by credit card only. This event takes place at Intersection for the Arts, 925 Mission Street.

Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, January 27 from 10:00 am–4:00 pm

Discover more about the fascinating world of human health through informative, interactive programs for the whole family. Enjoy live chats with scientists like Kyle Kurpinski and Terry D. Johnson, authors of How to Defeat Your Own Clone: And Other Tips for Surviving the Biotech Revolution, and more. The Academy’s public floor will host hands-on demonstrations including a close inspection of brain specimens, creating neurons from pipe cleaners and lessons on the life of an infectious virus. Guests will also be able to search the human microbiome of bacteria and harmless mites. Appearances by the Bay Area Children’s Theatre and Kaiser Permanente’s Community Troupe, along with special guests, will entertain families all weekend long.

Free with Academy admission. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. For admission, visit www.calacademy.org/tickets/ or call (415) 379-8000.

Monday, January 28 at 7:30 pm

An Intimate Conversation with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center
Hosted by Thomas Goetz, Executive Editor, WIRED

At the age of 37, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor had a massive stroke and watched as her brain functions—motion, speech, memory, linear thinking and self-awareness—shut down one by one. After a long and successful rehabilitation, she has become a spokesperson for the possibility of full recovery from brain injury. In her best-selling book My Stroke of Insight, Taylor chronicles her recovery as well as her personal study of perception as it differs between left brain processing and right brain experiencing. Taylor is the national spokesperson for the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center and is an active member and supporter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Taylor will be in conversation with Thomas Goetz, executive editor of WIRED and author of The Decision Tree: A Manifesto for Personal Health.

Tickets are $22-27 for adults, $20-25 for Academy members. Price dependent on seating area. Purchase tickets in advance online at www.cityboxoffice.com or by calling (415) 392-4400. This event takes place at the Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Avenue.