Nanotechnology is something I wasn't familiar with at all, and it was a little bit of a surprise to me how common it was in our lives-- something as simple as the silver nanoparticals on my socks. I guess I'd assumed that I would just know about important developments in technology, such as GMOs. The potential for nanotechnology seems almost limitless, from applications in cosmetics to medicine.
This TedTalk gives a quick demo related to the hydrophobic properties of the lotus leaf discussed in part 3 of the lecture series.
The Project of Emerging Nanotechnologies was very informative with developements in applying nanotechnology to medicine.
http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/medicine/
The more familiar we are with a subject, the more we understand it. I think nanoart is extreemly important to extend interest and understanding of nanotechnology to a broader range of people, not just scientists, doctors, manufacturers. It reminded me of our week looking at math and art, how a focus on developing better artistic techniques helped also develop mathematical techniques. Concepts involving depth, perception, and the relation between 2d and 3d that are general knowledge now weren't necessarily so back in Leonardo da Vinci's time. Art had the potential to benifit nanotechnology in the same way. An example of this is an interactive exhibition on nanotechnology put on by UCLA and LACMA in 2003(described in the article linked below).
"'I don't expect people to understand quantum physics,' Gimzewski said. 'But I expect them to notice what happens when they go through the exhibit. I'd like them to ask, 'What does this mean?"' "
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology_2.html
Art has the same appeal. Looking at these photos below, someone who hasn't taken many science classes might not recognize them as magnetic fields, but their interest could still be sparked.
Wanting to find out what those pictures are, how they were taken, these questions would lead to a gaining of knowledge of magnetic fields. Using art, we can create and engaging and enticing open door into the world of nanotechnology. Like genetic modification, the more we know nanotechnology, the better equipped we are to make decisions about when and where it should be present in our lives.
Sources:
Shaw, Mark. "Mark Shaw: One Very Dry Demo." YouTube. TED, 26 Mar. 2013. Web. 24 May 2015.
Linke, Heiner. "What Nanoscience Can Do to Change Our Future for the Better: Heiner Linke." YouTube. TEDx Talks, 23 Nov. 2012. Web. 24 May 2015.
I like the way you incorporated the TED Talk on the lotus leaf hydrophobic characteristics. This is somewhat related to how the Blue Morpho butterfly's wings get their reflective color. The idea of mimicking nanotech found in nature to create helpful everyday products is a niche of the goods market that has seen tremendous growth in the past few years. The greatest part about this area of production and design is that it ties into the 'green' movement that started about 10 years ago. Its truly a work of marketing genius to both have the idea of nature friendly design on your side but also mimic that exact nature you are preserving within the product.
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