Week 8: Nanotech + Art

As a premed student, this week’s topic was quite fascinating, as I’ve definitely encountered research on nanotechnology in the past. The various ways that nanotechnology applies to medical advancements is deeply impactful, as these methods often minimize the invasiveness of traditional treatment methods. One such application is seen in Dr. Yang’s research at UCLA that utilizes nanotechnology to treat complex brain tumors. Therefore, this week’s topic ties in with the past few weeks, such as neuroscience and medicine. This illustrates the wide range of applicability of nanotechnology.  
Example of a nanoparticle
Furthermore, the fact that we can separate individual atoms to form meaningful words and images at a microscopic scale truly opens up a new world of art. We can use this method to create paintings at an atomic level. With this method, the produced art is not only intricate, but also extremely precise. The art that can be produced are unlike any via traditional media of art.
Art made in collaboration with a nanoscientist
Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau found a way to allow people to directly see the workings of nanoparticles, since they are usually way too small to be seen. The result was Nano-Scape, which utilizes magnetic structures to allow people to experience different properties of a nano particle, such as the basic attraction and repulsion between atoms due to the existence of electrons and the nucleus. Thus, the very existence of this form of art is not only increasing the general public's understanding of the arts, but also of science in an interactive and interesting manner.

1) “Art in the Age of Nanotechnology.” Artabase. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.
2) Gimzewski, Jim. "Nanotech Jim pt1"YouTube, uploaded by UC Online, 21 May 2012. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=835&v=q7jM6-iqzzE>.
3) Gimzewski, Jim. "Nanotech Jim pt2"YouTube, uploaded by UC Online, 21 May 2012. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEp6t0v-v9c>.
4) Gimzewski, Jim. "Nanotech Jim pt3"YouTube, uploaded by UC Online, 21 May 2012. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNiU_108>.
5) Gimzewski, Jim. "Nanotech Jim pt4"YouTube, uploaded by UC Online, 21 May 2012. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHCuZetAIhk>.

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