This week's concepts, taught by Dr. Gimzewski, tied in several topics regarding the third culture that we have learned so far in this class. I had known that nano tech involved the study of atomic and supra-molecular matter, but I was surprised to learn the diversity of its applications and its relationship with art.
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| Left: Roman Lycurgus Cup; Right: Gold Nanoparticles in Water Solution |
What amused me the most was Feynman's realization that nano scale objects can be used to create new effects. This means that, as we shrink to the nanoscale, the laws of physics can change. Specific properties of nano particles can change from opaque to transparent, stable to combustible, and inert to catalytic. The Roman Lycurgus cup, for example, is red from its nano sized gold particles.
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| Quantum Corrals |
I think that the emergence of microscopes allowed for nano tech to become a form of visual art. This is how we began to aesthetically study the interplay of atomic nano structures and shape. Scanning Tunneling Microscopes (STM) can be used to create a ring of atoms called a quantum corral by manipulating individual iron atoms on a copper surface. The electron's standing waves create all kinds of patterns, which change depending on shape of structure. In addition, artists Paul Thomas and Kevin Raxworthy use an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to analyze a single skin cell and to explore comparisons of life and death at a nano level.
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| DNA Origami |
Nano tech also ties in with the themes of of bio tech, med tech, and art. For example, biomedical scientists are interested in the nano structures of gecko feet because perfect replication can lead to many uses of adhesives in bio medicine. Nano medicine, like Abraxane can also help reduce toxicity of cancer treatments by changing properties of particles, such as solubility. Finally, Paul Rothemund has developed technology to fold DNA strands and create "DNA origami," in which complementary strands can assemble into a nano sized box!
References:
"Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." Art.base. John Curtin Gallery. Web. 23 May 2015.
"DNA Folding, in Detail." Paul Rothemund:. Web. 23 May 2015.
"Nanoparticles Are All Around Us." 25 Mar. 2013. Web. 23 May 2015.
Nanotech Jim pt 1. James Gimzewski. Youtube. Uconlineprogram, 21 May. 2012. Web 23 May. 2015.
Nanotech Jim pt 2. James Gimzewski. Youtube. Uconlineprogram, 21 May. 2012. Web 23 May. 2015.
Nanotech Jim pt 3. James Gimzewski. Youtube. Uconlineprogram, 21 May. 2012. Web 23 May. 2015.
Nanotech Jim pt 4. James Gimzewski. Youtube. Uconlineprogram, 21 May. 2012. Web 23 May. 2015.
"University of Wisconsin-Madison Materials Research Science and Engineering Center Interdisciplinary Education Group." Probe Microscopes. Web. 23 May 2015.
Hello Eunice (: I really like your posting overall. I think it is very thought-provoking and your opinion about this week's topic is very interesting. I too thought that Feynman's view of nano-particles were fascinating in a way that it can change objects in almost any way it wants. Moreover, I had a pet gecko when I was in middle school, so it was very interesting to learn about how the feet of gecko allowed the scientists to make new adhesive materials. I really like how you tied this week's topic with the past ones, such as bio tech and med tech (e.g. cancer treatment). I also feel like many of the topics we have discussed are connected as they are with art.
ReplyDeleteI love your post! I was fascinated by the Roman Cup and how it changed color. I was also amused by the changes to the laws of physics at the nanoscale level because I have taken 3 physics classes while here at UCLA and the teaches make it seem like these ancient laws are set in stone and they are not to be changed or tampered with. It wasn't until my Junior year in Physics 6C that we finally started talking about astrophysics and how in outer space the physics laws that were engrained in our brains had exceptions. I am really interested in the field of nanotechnology and how it can impact the future. Great post! It gave me a new perspective on things.
ReplyDeleteI find the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) to be highly impressive and awesome in its ability to study a surface singular atom by singular atom. It's incredible that the stylus tip is created with one solitary atom. I have no clue how one goes about separating anything on the atomic level, but I think that so much is to be learned from the great technologies of the STM, especially in studying DNA molecules. There are immense artistic influences in the natural processes at an atomic level, since the inner workings of the body and of the world are structurally unique and mind-blowing--we have no idea what our natural processes entail, yet we would be nothing without them.
ReplyDeleteGood job this week analyzing some of the most important topics of this unit!!!