WEEK 8

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NANOTECHNOLOGY + ART

“Premium Vector: Nanotechnology Icons Set. Flat Set of Nanotechnology Vector Icons Isolated on White Background.” Freepik, 19 Jan. 2022, www.freepik.com/premium-vector/nanotechnology-icons-set-flat-set-nanotechnology-vector-icons-isolated-white-background_22518874.htm. 

This week, Professor Vesna and Dr. James Gimzewski introduced and discussed the topic of nanotechnology along with art. The idea of nanotechnology, and the concepts surrounding nanotechnology I found a bit difficult to grasp. According to both Professor Vesna and Dr. Gimzewski, “nanotechnology is more a new science than technology” (Vesna, Gimzewski). In this week’s materials we learned about the history behind nanoscience and technology, but also I learned about how much it effects our society today. Prior to this week I have heard the terms nano before, but Dr. Gimsewski discussed its significance in our daily lives, the most interesting areas he discussed were those in the medical field and in the world of cosmetics and skincare. 



K, Preeti Padma. “Nanotechnology and Its Applications in Medicine, Energy and Transportation.” IndustryWired, 13 June 2020, industrywired.com/nano-technology-and-its-applications-in-medicine-energy-and-transportation/. 


To start with a general background, the topics of nanoscience and nanotechnology are “the study and application of extremely small things and can be used across all the other science fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and engineering” (National Nanotechnology Initiative). They are essentially sciences that are examined on extremely small scales, which ranges from about 1 to 100 nanometers (Gimzewski). For reference, this is on scale of examining singular cells and viruses (Gimzewski).


While I feel as though it is a topic our society does not frequently mention, there is something to say about the impact it is currently making and also the impact it can make. 



“The Big Future of Nanotechnology in Medicine: Past: Events: Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA): European Parliament.” Europarl.europa.eu, www.europarl.europa.eu/stoa/en/events/details/the-big-future-of-nanotechnology-in-medi/20200611WKS02881. 


In the field of medicine, because of its small size, nanotechnology allows for processes that were not thought possible before. Pharmaceuticals can be produced that are made to target certain DNA sequences and cells for repair (Paddock). Nanobots can be created to carry out repairs in areas a human would not be able to access due to its small scale (Paddock). Nanotechnology can be used to find new ways to cure cancers, kill tumors and more (Paddock). Note that these are only some of the possibilities. 


“How the Cosmetics Industry Embraced Technology.” TranslateMedia, 13 Oct. 2020, www.translatemedia.com/translation-blog/cosmetics-industry-embraced-technology/. 


In the cosmetic industry, nanoparticles are everywhere, and nanotechnology is considered to be on the biggest benefits emerging (Aziz, et. al). Many“manufacturers use nanoscale size ingredients to provide better UV protection, deeper skin penetration, long-lasting effects, increased color, finish quality, and many more” (Aziz, et. al). For me personally, I found this section of lecture to be very intriguing, I often search for cosmetics with UV protecting qualities, and I have seen many makeup products that advertise “long lasting” effects. It was interesting to learn the ‘how’ behind the various traits that these products are advertised to have. 


The cosmetic industry and medical world are only two of the many fields that are benefiting from use of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology allows us to have eyes and knowledge of things we cannot see through our own eyesight. This emerging science is going to continue to be a game changer in our current world state today. 





Works Cited

Aziz, Zarith Asyikin Abdul, et al. “Role of Nanotechnology for Design and Development of Cosmeceutical: Application in Makeup and Skin Care.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 1 Jan. 1AD, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fchem.2019.00739/full#:~:text=Nanotechnology%20incorporation%20in%20cosmetic%20formulation,finish%20quality%2C%20and%20many%20more. 

Gimzewski, Jim. “Nanotech for Artists Part 1.” YouTube, 21 May 2012, youtu.be/q7jM6-iqzzE. 

Gimzewski, Jim. “Nanotech for Artists Part 3.” YouTube, 21 May 2012, youtu.be/X0HCNiU_108. 

Paddock, Catherine. “Nanotechnology in Medicine: Huge Potential, but What Are the Risks?” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 4 May 2012, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/244972#Manipulating-DNA. 

Vesna, Victoria, and Jim Gimzewski. “The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science.” The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science, 2022, vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm. 

“What Is Nanotechnology?” National Nanotechnology Initiative, National Nanotechnology Initiative, www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition. 

Comments

  1. Alec GoodwinMay 21, 2022 at 1:42 PM

    Hey Alex! Absolutely loved your blog post as always. Very in depth an knowledgable about the world of nanoscience. I found it super interesting that you mentioned the art industry because I had no nanotech had so much to do with it. The more you know :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. ashaagarwal_desma9May 21, 2022 at 4:05 PM

    Great job Alex! I found your discussion of nanoparticles in the cosmetic industry to be so interesting and something I would love to learn even more about! I thought this was an awesome portrayal of the connection between nanotechnology and art!

    ReplyDelete
  3. john camposJune 4, 2022 at 12:30 PM

    Hello, I liked how you emphasized how important nanotechnology is within our daily lives and in the medical field / beauty industry. It is crazy to even try and begin to imagine the scale of nanometers that nanotechnology operates on. The fact that this industry is extremely important in our day to day lives but people aren’t even aware of it is also crazy. The potential of nanotechnology to kill cancers is very interesting and something I hope can evolve to help people more.

    ReplyDelete

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