Week 8 | Nanotechnology + Art
To begin my discussion of Nanotechnology and Art, the central question from Professor Vesna that stood out to me was that "Nanoscience reinvents how science works." Through this weeks content, I attempt learn the implications of just how revolutionary Nanotechnology is in the both the Art and the Scientific world.
One thing that I think serves as a significant example of the potential paradigm shift nanoscience can have is how it can literally reinvent the wheel. In 1998, an observation regarding the random rotation of a flat molecular wheel as prompted scientists to attempt to recreate that in a laboratory setting. [1] The creation of a "flat" wheel could reinvent our modes of transportation as well as revolutionize how we depict movement in art. The possibility of such a concept is unknown but the potential is limitless.
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| Figure 1. Model of the "flat" Nano Wheel |
Other instances of this paradigm shift from nanotechnology as mentioned by Dr. Gimzewski are the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) and the Buckyballs. Upon further research of an STM, it is revolutionary in that it can produce a topographical image of a sample surface through a small needle. [2] From my understanding of chemistry, an electron exists more of as a wave, not a particle, so I did not think this was possible. Furthermore, Buckyballs also broadens the scientific field in that it is carbon molecule that appears to be a hollow, soccer ball shaped, and composed of 60 carbon atoms. [3] This suggests that the possibilities for new materials is endless since they are so many different theoretical possible orientations of atoms that might actually exist. These two examples truly represent the paradigm shift of nanotechnology is an even more limitless subject.
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| Figure 2. Molecular Structure of Buckeyball |
Perhaps more surprising, however, is that applications of nanoscience is not a distant future; it's happening today. Products like sunscreen, adhesives, and even tennis balls all utilize nanotechnology in order to improve their function. [4] This speaks volume to advances that humans have made in manipulating the microscope world.
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| Figure 3. Diagram of Function of Nanoparticles in Sunscreen |
However like any pioneer field, there is the fear of it's potential risks. Critics fear the risk in health of workers of nanoparticles, risk in health of patients who partake in nanomedicine, as well as risk of possibly contaminating our environments. [5] I think it is worth taking a step back and being more cautious about what we do.
With the advancements in nanotechnology, the world is changing. No doubt some artists would use this budding field as inspiration for their work and comment on the possible implications of such technology to bring about a much needed discussion. Hopefully, though, through these conversations, the world may be prepared and society may be ready, for the limitless future that is bound to come.
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Hey Benny, I found it surprising to see nanoscience being a realm that defies the normal principles of regular macro-level science. The fact that the work and research that has been put into researching macro-level science does not hold up in micro-level mediums really brings motivation for scientists to study the differences among the two scales. It is very revolutionary in terms of being a paradigm shift for what resources we can work with for art. I hope that these materials prove safe for us to use and not another problem for the public to worry about.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Despite all of the amazing things that nanotechnology can accomplish, I think your point about society's acceptance of it is extremely valid. Because it is not something that can directly be perceived or immediately be understood by most of us, nanotechnology will definitely have to convince people that it can be used safely and productively. Hopefully the research continues and the field can become ubiquitous enough to eventually make the technology commonplace.
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