This week we discussed the current state of nanotechnology and it's current relationship with art. The first aspect of nanotechnology which interested me was the idea that nanotechnology has benefited from discoveries in other areas. The first example of this is the inspiration behind how the Buckminsterfullerenes (also known as the buckyball) was discovered. The buckyball is a molecular form of carbon which uses 60 carbon molecules to form a sphere. This molecule was known of in the past, but its structure was not discovered until Richard E. Smalley looked into architecture. By looking at geodesic domes, which were popularized by Richard Buckminster Fuller, Smalley was able to figure out the buckyball's structure. This is a perfect example of the crossover between nanotechnology and art. Like many other forms of science, nanotech and art have been able to learn and develop together even though they may seem like contradictory ideas.
Morpho butterfly
In the same way nanotech has benefited from architecture, it has also gained a lot from nature itself. Some scientists have been looking at ways in which nature operates on a nano scale. This is process is known as biomimicry and has provided valuable insight into how molecules can be manipulated to serve our purposes. There are numerous examples of biomimicry but some of the most interesting include nano-waterproofing based on the lotus flower and nano-adhesion based on gecko feet. Biomimicry in nanotechnology can also cross into the field of art through color-manipulation as seen in the morpho butterfly. With this technology, molecules can be made to form a range of different colors instead of just the normal color of the molecule. With this, hypothetically any color can be produced. With this sort of potential, I am excited to see where nanotechnology takes us in the future.
Example of waterproofing from biomimicry
Work Cited:
Arndt, Devrah. "Nature's nanotechnology, bio-mimicry, and making the superpowers of your dreams a reality." Sustainable Nano, 3 Dec 2013, http://sustainable-nano.com/2013/12/03/natures-nanotechnology-bio-mimicry-and-making-the-superpowers-of-your-dreams-a-reality-4/.
Edelson, Edward. “Buckyball: The Magic Molecule.” Popular Science, Popular Science, 2 May 2016, www.popsci.com/buckyball-magic-molecule.
Feder, Barnaby J. “Richard E. Smalley, 62, Dies; Chemistry Nobel Winner.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 29 Oct. 2005, www.nytimes.com/2005/10/29/science/richard-e-smalley-62-dies-chemistry-nobel-winner.html.
Gimzewski, Jim and Victoria Vesna. "The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science." UCLA Arts.
Gimzewski, Jim and Victoria Vesna. "Nanotechnology and Art, Part 1-6," YouTube.
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