Micro + Macro: Nanotech + Space + Art

I was quite intrigued by all that I learned about nanotechnology this week. It turned out to be completely different from what I originally though it would be. It is used in large variety of things that we see on a daily basis. What I found particularly interesting was the fact that by minimizing a substance, one could change the properties of this substance; for example, something inert could become a catalyst or solids could become liquids. Nanotechnology is a field that strives to find all the amazing uses of these minuscule particles. Boo Chapple's Transjuicer is a project that has worked towards forming audio speakers from bone. The bone matrix is used generate audible sound for human beings. This is merely one way that art and science can be connected and the results are fascinating. It is the work of nanotechnology that has allowed us to explore all these opportunities. Nanotechnology is not only used in electronics but in almost every aspect of our lives.

Quantum Dots

This leads me to talk about how nano particles are used in clothing and food. For example, silver nano particles are used in our active wear. They carry antimicrobial properties that result clothing that can be worn for long periods of time without accumulating too much bacteria. Nano particles in items such as sunscreen, cosmetics, and food are a bit more of a debated subject because of the possible toxicity. On the other hand, nanotechnology has also opened doors for the pharmaceutical and medical world, allowing for more new possibilities than ever before to cure diseases. 

Silver Nano Particle

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we also discussed space in this week's lectures. I have always found space exploration to be an exciting subject. The fact that humankind has been to able to engineer crafts that have allowed us to orbit in space and land on the moon is nothing short of genius. In recent years, the exploration of space has entered into the private arena, giving entrepreneurs the chance make their own contributions. I believe that this will greatly expand our knowledge of what is out there in short span of time. There is so much that humans could benefit from (alternative energy sources, for example) and it is in our interest to continue on this path. 

Solar System

NASA recently pioneered a telescope that has introduced us to the lower layers of the Sun's atmosphere; with all the technology that we are capable of in the modern world, new things are being discovered on a regular basis. I would consider this to be an art because of the precision that it takes to build such things. Space is beautiful in its own right and the steps that we take to learn more about it only further the connection between itself and art.

NASA International Space Station Construction

Citations

"John Curtin Gallery." Artabase. N.p., 30 Apr 2010. Web. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.

Quantum Dots. N.d. Photograph. sigmaaldrichWeb. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/sigma-aldrich/materials-science/nanomaterials/photolumin-scence-of-alloyed-quantum-dots.jpg>.

Chapple, Boo. "Boo Chapple." Residual Soup. N.p.. Web. 28 Jul 2013. <http://residualsoup.org/boo-chapple.html>.

Silver Nano Particle. N.d. Photograph. BlogspotWeb. 28 Jul 2013. <https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFHHLmpY-QWE-UrUJayyGCEbZ1GQPAPMXh4TaTLxOEqHeqPkc4mwf1FsAlpsb58xEo48Pvr3Q_BOcADppxBY6cRvbtL4AcUrGTqEu_u_L-TM0jao4fof1zvO_Ebx9g5TE9TtXu5nbyo8/s400/silver+nano.jpg>.

"Silver Nanoparticles: Properties and Applications."sigmaaldrich. N.p.. Web. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/materials-science/nanomaterials/silver-nanoparticles.html>.

NASA International Space Station. N.d. Video. YouTubeWeb. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLHJ0YUAC4>.

"NASA's IRIS Telescope Offers First Glimpse of Sun's Mysterious Atmosphere." NASA. N.p., 25 Jul 2013. Web. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/iris-telescope-first-glimpse-of-suns-mysterious-atmosphere/index.html>.

Solar System. N.d. Photograph. WiredWeb. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2012/12/Our-Solar-System-Montage1.jpg>.