Week 8: Nanotech and Art

Before this week, upon hearing the word “nanotechnology”, I would deny that I had any interaction with the field and that it has any relevance to my life. Dr. Gimzewski however, pointed out that our bodies most likely are currently covered in nanoparticles, and that many consumer goods (i.e sunscreen, socks) contain these particles because of their unique properties (i.e. preventing bacteria)[5]. After doing my own research and much to my surprise, I found that several hair products I use, such as a Conair hairdryer, straightener, and curler, all contain nanoparticles[3].

This straightener contains nanoparticles

Sunscreen contains nanoparticles

With nanotechnology becoming increasingly relevant in our lives, without being able to actually see such tiny particles, art plays an essential role in communicating the unseen. For example, an abstract artist, Orefscu, creates beautiful paintings of nanoparticles by adding color to the typical black and white image produced by the Scanning Tunneling Microscope. He aims at bringing awareness to nanotechnology, a goal other artists share, because this field is gaining great prominence in our lives[4].

One of Orefscu's artworks

At the “Nano exhibition” several years ago, artists and scientists created an interactive exhibit allowing visitors to gain awareness of nanotechnology. For example, the Quantum tunnel projected visitors faces onto a wall, and then “the projected images…. became fractured into particles and waves”[2]. Interestingly, their goal was not to get visitors to understand the complex nature of nanotech, but just to be aware.

The Nano Exhibition

Another interesting example of the collision of art and nanotechnology can be seen at the University of Illinois where they are creating ink infused with nanoparticles that conducts electricity[1]. Another wards, simple drawings can be illuminated—an exciting advancement that most definitely brings awareness to the nanotechnology field.

The LED light in this drawing was created using nanoparticle infused ink

Although I think it is great that art is enlightening the field of nanotechnology, it is somewhat concerning that although it is very much intertwined into our lives that there is little research in the health implications it has. Due to our lack of research and understanding of the field, there is also little to no legislation in regards to what is and is not okay for nanotechnology[6]. However, my question is, if anything shouldn’t lack of understanding warrant further legislation instead of less, as a necessary precaution?

References

[1]Boyle, Rebecaa. “7 Amazing Ways Nanotechnology Is Changing The World.” Popular Science. 14 Nov. 2012. Web. May 2015. <http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-11/7-amazing-ways-nanotechnology-changing-world?image=0>.

[2]“Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?” National Geographic Society. 28 Oct. 2010. Web. 21 May 2015. <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/ 2003/12/1223_031223_nanotechnology_2.html>.

[3]“Consumer Products Inventory.” The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. 2015. Web. 21 May 2015. <http://www.nanotechproject.org/cpi/browse/>.

[4]Feder, Barnaby. “The Art of Nanotech.” The New York Times. 25 Jan. 2008. Web. 21 May 2015. <http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/?_r=0>.

[5]Gimzewski, Jim. “Nanotechnology and Art: Part 4”. Lecture. n.d. Web. 18 May 2015.

[6]Soliman, Adam. “The Need for Stronger Nanotechnology Regulation: Food Safety News.” Food Safety News. 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 21 May 2015. <http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/10/why-we-should-have-more-regulations-on-nanotechnology/#.VV1ftKbdRWI>.