Nanotechnology, Space, & Art

This week, professor Gimzewski lectured on the topic of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is "the manipulation of matter on an atomic and molecular scale", and is manipulated at a scale that is one billionth of a meter.

Greeks & Romans used nanotechnology in their hair dye

Generally, when people think of nanotechnology they think of futuristic technology which will allow for anything from the assembly of any object with the press of a button to an apocalypse in which the entire earth will be absorbed by nanobots. However, I was surprised to learn from professor Gimzewski that nanotechnology and nanoparticles have been used since ancient times. I was blown away by the Roman cup which was able to glow red when lit from the inside, as I had never heard of the interesting properties of gold nanoparticles previously. In fact, the whole concept of integrating nanoparticles into objects in order to drastically change their properties was something was new and very interesting to me.

Deceptively futuristic

I often use antimicrobial sports equipment, and I had no idea that silver nanoparticles were what were giving the material their antimicrobial properties. The same goes for sunscreen, which I had no idea were a form of nanotechnology. Also, applications such as self-cleaning glass and non-destructive cancer treatments using gold particles seem incredibly futuristic, yet I now know they are a scientific possibility in the near future.

Will 3D printers eventually print at the nanoscale?

However, I found the future applications of nanotechnology to be the most exciting. The possibility of a machine that can fabricate any object from the ground up, as Feynman talked about in "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom", is incredibly fascinating. When I heard of that idea, I couldn't help but notice the similarity between that idea and current 3D printers that are finally beginning to enter the market today. Also, the idea of nanosensors inside of food products as well as nanoparticles in order to release flavors in food seem to have the ability to revolutionize the food industry. Although professor Gimzewski warns that consuming many nanoparticles may be very harmful, if it is shown that doing so is not harmful, the technology has the ability to revolutionize dieting by allowing people to eat calorie light foods without sacrificing flavor or consistency.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next, professor Vesna lectured on space, and in particular, space exploration.

One of my favorite space videos

Growing up with a father who worked at NASA, I was very familiar with the Space Race, Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. As a kid I was always interested in the topic, so the vast majority of the beginning of the lecture was familiar material for me. When I was little I was actually able to go see a mock-up of the International Space Station where my dad worked, and I even had a friend in my class who was related to Gus Grissom, one of the astronauts who died in the tragic fire during preparation for Apollo 1.

I camped out in the Mojave desert to see the launch of SpaceShipOne

One of the things that I learned from this lecture was that I never before appreciated the wide array of futuristic programs available at the time. It is amazing that during the Space Race, there was The Jetsons, Star Trek, Lost in Space, etc, and nowadays it seems that the public is not nearly as interested in space, which is a shame.

Perhaps this will get you interested in space exploration

I also found it interesting how Obama's decisions have lead to the privatization of the space industry. Although I was aware of this development, I had no idea it was a direct result of Obama's policies. Personally, I think that the privatization of space will be a good thing in the long run. Already, the costs of rockets have been brought down by visionaries in industry such as Elon Musk, who is the founder of PayPal, Tesla Motors, SolarCity, and SpaceX (quite the busy individual).

A fascinating TED talk by Elon Musk. Like Tony Stark, but real.

How do you think industrialization of space will change space exploration? Do you think it will slow or increase the rate of progress?

- Ty

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dannato, Giovanni. "Nanotechnology in Ancient Times." Forward Base B. N.p., 30 october 2012. Web. 25 Jul. 2013. <http://colonyofcommodus.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/nanotechnology-in-ancient-times/>.

FreshGearTM. N.d. Array. AmazonWeb. 25 Jul 2013. <http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31btuikpswL._SX342_.jpg>.

Blua, Antoine. "A New Industrial Revolution: The Brave New World of 3D Printing." Radio Liberty. N.p., 06 Apr 2013. Web. 25 Jul. 2013. <http://www.rferl.org/content/printing-3d-new-industrial-revolution/24949765.html>.

"Nanotechnology." Wikipedia. N.p., n. d. Web. 25 Jul. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnology>.

Pew, Glenn. "SpaceShipOne Launch in Mojave: Gallery Two (Launch Day)." AVweb. N.p., 21 Jun 2004. Web. 25 Jul. 2013. <http://www.avweb.com/news/features/187542-1.html>.

How A Rocket Ride Really Sounds -- Thanks To Star Wars Tech. VideoFromSpace, 2012. Web. 25 Jul 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjXvV0JBE0k>.

Earth HD| Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over | NASA, ISS. Robert Gawdzik, 2011. Web. 25 Jul 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip2ZGND1I9Q>.

Musk, Elon, perf. Elon Musk: The mind behind Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity. TEDtalksDirector, 2013. Web. 25 Jul 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgKWPdJWuBQ>.

Biotechnology, Neuroscience, and Art

The first subject for this week's lectures was biotechnology. Biotechnology seeks to alter nature through forms of genetic engineering, used to alter an organism's DNA by either modifying existing DNA or inserting completely foreign genetic material.

One famous such use of biotechnology is the case of Osamu Shimomura's green fluorescent protein, GFP. Prior to this week's lecture, I had heard of GFP, as it is often used in scientific experiments in order to monitor a drug's effectiveness by looking for the expression of the fluorescent protein. However, I had not previously heard of works of art using fluorescent protein, such as Alba, Eduardo Catz's fluorescent albino bunny, which he presented as a living work of "transgenic art." The incorporation of a living organism into a work of art is obviously a controversial topic, as it brings up the topic of whether or not it is ethical to engineer an animal for purposes that do not have an exact purpose or goal, unlike scientific research. Personally, I feel that it is not ethical to create an organism merely for use in art, because unlike scientific research, works of art are not for the greater good. Although the alteration of one bunny may bring enjoyment or even inspire artists, the sacrifice of one bunny's quality of life does not have the possible payoff of revealing a cure for human (or rabbit) diseases.

GFP has been incorporated into many animals, even larger ones, such as cats.

The incorporation of biotechnology into art, combined with a heavy does of grotesque imagination, created works of art that I never before would have never considered.  A prime example of this is Orlan's "Harlequin Coat", which was a coat made up of in-vitro created skin cells. Although based upon a premise I personally find sickening, Orlan's intent was in fact quite beautiful and fascinating, and was to pursue the idea of the hybridization of beauty.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200512/mixed-race-pretty-face

A fascinating article which explores the biological reasons behind the aesthetic appeal of mixed race.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An area mapping of the brain resembling the work of  Franz Joseph Gall

The second of this week's topics was neuroscience. Neuroscience is a fascinating field which deals with the inner workings of the brain, and historically also explored the meaning of consciousness and its origins.

The first theory that intrigued and stood out to me was Aristotle's theory of the brain. I found the theory that the brain was merely a cooling mechanism for the blood to be fascinating. I had never heard the theory before, and had I not known better myself, I could have believed the theory. The thought that the massive surface area of the inner folds of the brain serve as a heat sink is intuitive and seemingly makes perfect sense to someone who has never studied psychology or neuroscience.

Similar to a computer heat-sink, Aristotle believed the brain used its large surface area to dissipate heat and cool blood

I also found it extremely startling that drugs such as cocaine and LSD, which are seen as hardcore drugs today, were so commonplace that they were widely sold as "cure-alls" to the general public. Having read "Brave New World" back in high school, I had never drawn the connection that "soma" was in fact based upon Aldous Huxley's own experimentations with LSD. I also found it to be incredible that a Harvard psychology professor (Timothy Leary) did experiments with LSD with he and his grad students as subjects, and it was seen as perfectly acceptable. Even scarier was Project MKULTRA, which was a secret government program which secretly drugged citizens with LSD in order to test their effects. Such a crazy secret government project raises the question of what secret projects the government is working on in the present day.

"Boosts Personality!"

To address the topic's raised by Ruth West, I believe that artists certainly should be limited in their artistic use of scientific knowledge. In the case of scientific research, animals are being genetically engineered in order to benefit humanity in a measurable way. However, although artists do create and expose new and interesting ideas and explore important issues through their work, art does not directly save lives. For this reason, I feel that artists should not be allowed to potentially decrease an organism's quality of life for the sake of a work of art. Furthermore, I believe that the idea behind an artists work may often times still be able to be displayed without the use of genetically engineered animals.

What is your view on the ethical dilemma?

- Ty

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What can this glow-in-the-dark kitten teach scientists about AIDS?. N.d. Array. io9.comWeb. 22 Jul 2013. <http://io9.com/5839156/what-can-this-glow in the dark-kitten-teach-scientists-about-aids>.

Adams, William. "Mixed Race, Pretty Face?."Psychology Today. N.p., 1 1 2006. Web. 22 Jul. 2013. <http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200512/mixed-race-pretty-face>.

Kirsch, Nathan. OCZ Cooling Update: V-12 HSF and Cryo-Z. N.d. Array. Legit ReviewsWeb. 22 Jul 2013. <http://www.legitreviews.com/article/401/>.

"What Happens to Your Body If You Drink a Coke Right Now." 25 Jun 2010. N.p., Online Posting to The Seeker of Good Songs. Web. 22 Jul. 2013. <http://www.morrissey-solo.com/threads/109775-What-Happens-to-Your-Body-If-You-Drink-a-Coke-Right-Now>.

Paul, Annie. "What Kids Should Know About Their Own Brains." MindShift. N.p., 5 Apr 2012. Web. 22 Jul. 2013. <http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/04/what-kids-should-know-about-their-own-brains/>.

"Biotechnology." Wikipedia. N.p., n. d. Web. 22 Jul. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotechnology>.

"Neuroscience." Wikipedia. N.p., n. d. Web. 22 Jul. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroscience>.

Medicine, Technology, & Art

The topic of professor Vesna's lecture this week was medicine, technology, & art. Prior to taking this class, I thought that medical technology was so specialized that it would only have applications in the field of medicine. However, this week I certainly gained some new insight into how artists could re-purpose medical technology in order to inspire works of art.

An example of medical technology being applied to art

The field that intrigued, as well as disgusted, me the most was that of plastic surgery and body modification. In the modern image-obsessed culture, plastic surgery is relatively common. Since plastic surgery today requires modern medical technology, I had assumed it was a relatively recent practice. However, I was astounded to discover that it has been around since 4,000 years ago and it had started in the ancient East, not Beverly Hills.

Plastic surgery is a popular "sweet 16" gift in Korea

Since modern plastic surgery typically has a superficial application, the idea of using plastic surgery to transform one's self into a living work of art was a completely novel idea to me. After willing myself past the initial 10 gut-wrenching minutes of Orlan - Carnal Art, I was able to enjoy the originality of her idea to chose different aspects of famous paintings and incorporate them into her own body.

Basic body modification/cybernetics that anyone can do

I found Professor Warwick's Cyborg 1.0/2.0 project be equally exciting and touching. I found it refreshing to learn about some of the more practical uses that could come from integrating technology into our bodies. However, the most touching part of Warwick's research, for me, was that he was able to neurally communicate (using Morse code) with his wife through his technology. The idea that such an intimate human connection could be formed via artificial introductions to our bodies is a very interesting idea and also contradicts the Western malevolent view of robotics and cyborgs.

Prosthetic arm that integrates with remaining nerves

Based on this week's lecture and resources, I believe that in the future, robots and humans will become increasingly synergistic. Will our future resemble the Western or Eastern idea of how robots will integrate into humanity? Or as the movie Wall-E showed us, could it be both?

Dystopia

 

Utopia

Let me know what you think.

Ty

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Works Cited:

Grimes, Sara. "Dystopia...Now for Kids!."GAMINE EXPEDITION. N.p., 02 Aug 2010. Web. 14 Jul. 2013. <http://gamineexpedition.blogspot.com/2010/08/dystopianow-for-kids.html>.

Brion, Raphael. "The Drive-Thru Fast Food Bib." EAT ME DAILY. N.p., 19 May 2009. Web. 14 Jul. 2013. <http://www.eatmedaily.com/2009/05/the-beltzbib-a-drive-thru-fast-food-bib-actual-product/>.

Anonym, Lepht, narr. "Cybernetics for the Masses - 27C3." CCCen. CCCen, 23 Nov 2011. web. 14 Jul 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_JpPMIriAI>.

Kuiken , Todd, perf. "A prosthetic arm that "feels"." TED. TEDxtalksDirector, 20 Oct 2011. web. 14 Jul 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded>.

Guzman, Yelena. "Problematizing the Discourse of Science." TOKYO Art Beat. N.p., 21 Dec 2009. Web. 14 Jul. 2013. <http://www.tokyoartbeat.com/tablog/entries.en/2009/12/problematizing-the-discourse-of-science.html>.

KPsurgery, . N.d. Array. n.p. Web. 14 Jul 2013. <http://static.tumblr.com/927884d7e74bba92333321bfceed2ee9/5plp5hb/fxXmgqoc8/tumblr_static_____________________-.jpg>.

Mathematics, Robots, and Art

Don't tell my engineering professors, but I have secretly never liked math. With that said, professor Vesna's lecture this week certainly was a breath of fresh air. After having dry mathematics thrown at me for over 10 years, her lecture reminded me of the fascination that I had with mathematical art as a child.

As a child my mind was frequently boggled by the paintings by MC Escher

Often times, math classes leave students lost in formulas and numbers and leaves out the beauty that mathematics can reveal. The idea of the "Golden Ratio", certainly reminded me of this. I had no idea that so many great landmarks of the ancient world, such as the Great Pyramids and the Parthenon were created using the ratio. Also, after further research I uncovered that as well as being a number important in civil engineering, the Golden Ratio is also important in relation to physical beauty.

Megan Fox isn't attractive until it's been proven by science

I also found the novel Flatland, by Edwin Abbott to be a fascinating way to incorporate elements of mind-boggling theories of physics into something much more accessible. Certainly, the novel made the think about the possibility of multiple dimensions and also made the incomprehensible notion of additional dimensions paradoxically somehow comprehensible. The novel reminded me once again of the interesting implications of mathematics in philosophy as well as expanded my imagination. One interesting revelation I had during reading the book was the notion that the universe could circle around on itself, and thereby be inescapable, just like how an ant can never escape a mobius strip.

Imagine a 3-dimensional version of this. Is your mind blown? Mine too.

In Professor Vesna's Robotics + Art lecture, it was made clear the profound effects that the printing press and the rise of the internet have had on society. The printing press made possible the rapid dispersion of knowledge for the first time in history, and the internet, as Marshall McLuhan argued, created the first global culture.

I must admit, I was aware of many of the drastic changes brought about by the rise of the printing press and the internet, however, I never before considered that the rise of technology brought about new forms of interdisciplinary art. Previously, I would have thought that the rise of technology would reduce the emphasis on the arts and increase the emphasis on science, but in reality, as the creation of the "Leanardo" journal and also the creation of E.A.T. suggests, the rise of information technology merely serves as a larger platform on which to deliver art.

Websites such a deviantArt provide distribution of art on a scale never before seen

This week, I was also intrigued by Machiko Kusahara's lecture that discussed the differences between how cultures viewed robots and the reasons for those differences. I had always assumed humans feared robots because they inherently dislike things that are different from themselves. I had never considered that monotheistic religions conflicted with the idea of a humanoid robot, whereas polytheistic religions such as Shintoism did not. Also, it is very interesting how the isolation of Japan caused it to be sheltered from many of the changes during the Industrial Revolution, and Japanese people therefore did not resent machinery for causing a loss of farmland.

Hal-9000, the classic robot antagonist from 2001: A Space Odyssey

OBEY, represents the culmination of mathematics and industrialization in art. The creation of this image using photoshop helps me understand how mathematics and technology are becoming an integral part of modern art. The fact that Shepard Fairey was able to successfully market his art by taking advantage of mass production by printing his large posters at Kinko's, and was eventually able to monetize his brand through the mass production of clothing shows how industrialization opens new avenues for artists to gain exposure.

OBEY, street art by Shepard Fairey, and now a mass produced clothing brand

As the example of Shepard Fairey shows, I think that contrary to many people's beliefs, art and science are actually more intertwined today than ever before. With the rise of the internet, technology, and mass production, artists are able to have more artistic freedom than ever before while reaching a wider audience than was ever possible in human history. 

As a child, the first connection I made between math and art occurred after I made a noise after blowing across the top of a glass bottle and asked my dad what causes the noise. Being an engineer, my father explained to me that by blowing across the bottle I was creating a standing wave inside the bottle, and that I could even raise the pitch of the note by adding water and thereby reducing the wavelength inside the bottle.

An example of the music you can create with an understanding of wavelengths and water.

The further along I go in my engineering studies, the more I realize that the arts and science are often times describing the same things, but with different intent. Science means to explain the phenomena, whereas art, as Aldous Huxley said, seeks to "express the inexpressible."

Ty


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Banksy, , comp. "Exit Through the Gift Shop." Banksy, 16 Apr 2010. web. 1 Jul 2013.

Escher Waterfall. N.d. Photograph. WikipediaWeb. 7 Jul 2013. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e8/Escher_Waterfall.jpg/250px-Escher_Waterfall.jpg>.

perf. "グラスハープでマリオ Mario GlassHarp." murayu74, 8 Dec 2008. web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7YKjGvapps>.

Abbott, Edwin. Flatland. 1884. Web. <http://www.ibiblio.org/eldritch/eaa/FL.HTM>.

Britton, Jill, comp. "Mobius Strip II Animated Movie." N.p., 5 Jan 2012. web. 7 Jul 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGy-WxLaKl8&noredirect=1>.

OBEY. 2012. Photograph. n.p. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://www.rexmonkey.com/RMblog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Street-art-8-obey-rexmonkey.jpg>.

Artush, . DeviantART. 2012. Photograph. deviantARTWeb. 7 Jul 2013. <https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAUX-d42aNT1XdkNjZ5kK7TsF-HKCfdqX749tL4uPEFvGRlMnjp_tmTuPbBTtB_vq0TBiR1wDcc7KSwoPXxKWL5ptTQc8OGhEabRneGVvgRDLK_C2VI3LftiKqDTwCAKTGGTEtCwJSQc/s320/DeviantART_wall_by_Artush.png>.