Week 8 Nanotechnology + Art

Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary study that
 embraces concepts from physics, chemistry and biology.
www.omninano.org

 Nanotechnology is science, engineering and technology conducted at the nanoscale. Exactly, how much is a nanometer? It is ten to the ninth power; on a comparative scale, if a marble were a nanometer, then one meter would be the size of the Earth. (1)

As a physical science major, I have encountered the nanoscale endless times calculating the distance between cells or wavelengths. Hence, I always associated nanotechnology strictly with science and mathematics. However, this week taught me that even art has connected with this technology.

A person that really captivated my interest in this field is Cris Orfescu, nanoart researcher and abstract artist. During the day, he does nanotechnology research for a company in Torrance, California to improve lithium batteries. However, once he’s off, he stays in lab and does nanoart. (2) In the image below, Orfescu attempts to inform people about this technology by creating a nanosculpture, hydrolyzing titanium organometallic compound and coating it with gold.

www.crisorfescu.com

What is even more amazing is art’s ability to help better comprehend nanotechnology. In “Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Answer,” this new science is about a “shift in our perception of reality from a purely cultural one based on sensing and connectively.” In this, we can take a new approach and better understand nanotechnology. (3) Currently, we have potential in nanotechnology to destroy cancer cells (4) and trace harmful substances or even GMO in foods like McDonalds or Dunkin’ Donuts (5).

Microscopic nanomaterials, often used to add creaminess and color to foods,
may also add a health risk. 

Citation:

1. “What is Nanotechnology?” National Nanotechnology Institute. <http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition>

2. Feder, Barnaby. “The Art of Nanotechnology” The New York Times. Jan 25, 2008 <http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/>

3. Lovgren, Stefan. “Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Answer?” National Geographic. Dec 23, 2003

4. Cox, David “Nanoparticles could help deliver a killer blow to cancer” Aug 13, 2014 <http://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2014/aug/13/nanotherapy-future-cancer-treatment>

5. Shemkus, Sarah “Activists that aim at nanomaterials in Dunkin’ Donuts” July 11, 2014 <http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/jul/11/activists-nanoparticles-titanium-dioxide-food-dunkin-donuts>