This week’s topic of Nanotech + Art was by far the most
interesting, for it managed to elaborate on a few of the prior topics as well
as relate to our everyday lives.
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| Fractals in shells |
When we explored mathematics in nature, the underlying
explanation for the resulting beauty is structure. The nanotech lectures
elaborate on this, and we learn that the self-assembling nature of molecules is
responsible for the fractal nature of trees and shells. Delving deeper into the topic of self-organization,
we find that a property of nanotech called morphogenesis can also be observed
in the elegant yet practical animal behaviors in nature. In a survival
response, birds will manage to condense into a group to appear bigger and more
threatening to a predator. What amazes me about nanotechnology is how it is
both a beautiful piece of artwork on a molecular level and practical and
versatile on a macro level.
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| Flocking birds, an example of self assembly in nature |
For example, Don Eigler found that he could visualize
quantum mechanics by using a Scanning Tunneling Microscope. The images he created
are both beautiful (compared to landscape design) and useful for understanding
quantum data. Nanotechnology can also be found in more intimate aspects of our
everyday life: research of gecko feet has scientists convinced that we can
create an adhesive strong enough to enable humans to scale walls. Looks like
Spiderman may not have an exclusive superpower anymore!
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| Don Eigler's STM imaging: The top right image resembles a drop in a body of water |
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| Gecko feet explained by nanotubes |
While I realize that nanotechnology is still a relatively
new field and the long-term effects may not be fully observed yet, I do wish
the lectures further elaborated on the potential consequences of
nanotechnology. I believe that
nanotechnology will only have increasing presence in our society, as more and
more scientists are looking to the micro level for solutions to societal
problems such as environmental conservation and social warfare. Nanotechnology
is a powerful tool, and we much take care not to abuse it.
Gimzewski, Jim. "Nanotech Jim Pt. 5." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 24 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=111&v=4OWc8nmHJmY>.
"STM Image Gallery." STM Image Gallery. Web. 24 May 2015. <http://researcher.watson.ibm.com/researcher/view_group_subpage.php?id=4251>.
Hello Amy, I really enjoyed your post for this week's topic. I really liked how you were able to connect nanotechnology to our previous lecture about mathematics and art by mentioning the self-assembling nature of molecules to form fractals. You also wrote about how nanotechnology will only grow to have a more prominent role in our lives. Which aspect of our lives do you think nanotechnology would benefit us the most?
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