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Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

Carbon Structures
In week eight, we discussed how nanotechnology and art. The study of nano-molecules has
changed the world of science in all pretty much all areas including biology, chemistry, and
physics. I think what was most interesting to me was the discovery of different structures
atoms take and how much of a different it can make to the characteristics and physical
properties of the elements. For example, the laws of physics actually change when in
nano-scale, like in surface tension of water (Feynman). Thermal jittering actually
dominates over gravity. Because of this, Feynman was able to go on to discover that the
behavior of nanoscale objects can be used to create different effects.
Feynman diagrams of nanoscale structures
This is cool because the art and assembly of nanoscale structures of atoms is really
important to areas of science like medicine. Dr. Gimzewsk discussed chemotherapy and
the study of nanoscale structures allowed certain medications that were before insoluble
and therefore indigestible to the human body could be made soluble by applying a coating
of abraxane. Just by changing one little part of the atomic structure, completely different
objects can be made too. I never really thought about how these structures can be like
machines. Just like Drexler said, atoms are like “machines as any system, usually of rigid
bodies, formed and connected to alter, transmit, and direct applied forces in predetermined
manner to accomplish a specific objective, such as the performance of useful work, and asserts
that molecular machines." I think the connection between the physical shape of the atom and
how it has revolutionized science is really cool and the perfect example of how art and science
are related and I am interested to see how these new microscopic discovers can be used as a
a medium to contemporary artists.
Molecular Structures
Sources:
Dr. Gimzewsk. “Nanotechnology + Art.” Lecture 2.
Dr. Gimzewsk. “Nanotechnology + Art.” Lecture 4.


Vesna, Victoria. "The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New
   Science." VV Arts, vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/
   JV_nano_artF5VG.htm.
Drexler, K. Eric. "Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology." E-drexler.com,
   e-drexler.com/d/06/00/EOC/EOC_Table_of_Contents.html.
Feynman, Richard. "Richard Feynman Introduces the World to Nanotechnology with Two Seminal Lectures
   (1959 & 1984)." Open Culture, www.openculture.com/2013/04/

   richard_feynman_introduces_the_world_to_nanotechnology.html.




"Allotropes of Carbon." Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allotropes_of_carbon.

"Feynman Diagrams." Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feynman_Diagrams.


"Molecular Structures. " Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_Structures.

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 25, 2018 at 8:38 AM

    hii thank you for sharing such insightful knowledge on the topic. I appreciated the ways you really dove into understanding the science behind carbon and organic chemistry as a means of further exploring nanotechnology. I would recommend fixing formatting to make it a little easier to read.

    ReplyDelete

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