Nanotechnology is a topic that is attractive to both
scientists and artists, as it explores a new field not yet touched in
history. It can be defined as a science
that is concerned with control of matter at the smallest scale imaginable-
atoms and molecules. It has the ability
to create new innovation and technology for a variety of fields such as electronics,
medicine, and even art. As we have so
much room to learn at the nano level, this type of science could have the
ability to transform the world.
Nanotechnology is also applicable to everyday life. For example,
the Lotus Leaf Effect explains the phenomena in which droplets of water appear
to be spherical because water doesn’t “like” the lotus lead surface. This technology can be seen in the
self-cleaning glass on BMW’s so dirt does not stick to the window. As soon as a dirt particle lodges onto the
window, sunlight will react with the nanoparticles and clean the window
itself. This technology can also be transferred
to fabrics, concrete, etc.
In this lecture, however, I found the use of nanotechnology
in medicine to be the most interesting. Nanoshells
can recognize cancer cells and apply near infrared light in order to kill of
cancerous tumors. This is
revolutionizing the future of cancer treatment, as it may reduce the effects of
chemotherapy, which are often severe. For
example, Abraxane is a nanodrug that can be used to treat breast cancer. I hope
that the use of this technology will aid in transforming the medical scene in a
way that past drugs and treatments are not able to.
Before this lecture, I was ignorant on the massive impact
nanotechnology is playing in our everyday lives. I believe that a major aspect of art is to
describe the world or a portion of life that is difficult to comprehend. Nanotechnology reveals a complete field that
is not viewable by the naked eye, and thus a mystery to the majority of the
population. By merely describing and
showing what is not viewable without a microscope, such as a scanning tunneling
microscope, nanotechnology is an art form.
“Art in the Age of Nanotechnology.” Artabase. N.p., n.d.
Web. 22 May. 2016.
<http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.
Gimzewski, Jim. Lecture. “Nanotech for Artists (Part
1).” 21 May 2012.
Gimzewski, Jim. Lecture. “Nanotech for Artists (Part
3).” 21 May 2012.
Vespa, Victoria, and Jim Gimzewski. "The Nanomeme Syndrome:
Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science." UCLA
(n.d.): n. pag. Web. <http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm>.
"What Is Nanotechnology?" Nano. Nano.gov, n.d.
Web. 22 May. 2016.
<http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition>.
Digital Image. Web. Lotus Effect. May 22 2016. <https://www.assignmentexpert.com/blog/lotus-effect-or-self-cleaning-leaves/>
Digital Image. Web. Nanotechnology in Medicine. May 22 2016.
<http://www.epmagazine.org/storage/243/en-nanotech-the-present.aspx>
Digital Image. Web. Scanning tunneling Microscope. Stock image. May
22 2016.
I really liked how you touched a little bit on biomimicry, such as the lotus leaf effect application to self-cleaning windows. One of the things I wrote about in my blog was somewhat of a combination between biomimicry and nanotechnology in medicine. Researchers at Kansai University studied the tip of a mosquito's mouth to create a "painless needle," and the results were flawless. Pretty amazing if you ask me!
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