NanoTech

Similar to the week's lectures on Biotechnology where scientists work with physicians to develop ways to show and explain what is inside the body using technology mixed with art, this week's topic, Nanotechnology also is mixed with art by these scientists.  Saldana Cavalle writes in his blogs, on NanoWiki.com, about three main ways developers are designing ways to use nanotechnology to image different internal parts of the body.  



The first and, in my opinion most revolutionary, way he writes about is how "nano particles" are being injected into the blood stream and being located to help visualize the inside of arteries in different spots in order to locate potential clotting spots.  These images could save lives!  It is incredible that the work of scientist combined with imaging technology can be artistically used to have such an impact on human life.

The second two ways he explains that Nanotechnology is being applied is in pollution studies and through a diagnostic tool.  Both areas are using Nanotechnology and artistic imaging to show ailing cells that have been damaged due to pollution or due to an oncoming disease.  This technology is very beneficial but could not be anywhere close to as helpful without the art and imaging that gives the necessary visualization doctors use to diagnose patients.

Continuing on education:
In the Australian John Curtin Gallery, a collective of artists used knowledge scientists established to make interactive (and somewhat random) art installations that brought that knowledge to life.  It was said that the artists designed the exhibits to create a new way of "sensing and connecting with matter that’s miniscule and abstract."  Like the aforementioned uses of art to bring Nanotechnology to life, these exhibits used the knowledge of what is inside us to deliver another a way of understanding to the viewers and interacters.

Education is a huge reason for creating images using Nanotechnology.  In a well-know and close to heart example from my own childhood, The Magic School Bus series went inside the human body to explore whats inside (though animation rather than imaging technology and exhibits of course).  Its easy for the children to get a grasp of the technology that scientist spent the last few decades developing.

It is always said that artwork has a therapeutic effect on ill patients, but never before could it be said that art is subtly being used to save ill patients.   All in all, the future looks bright when it comes to Nanotechnology since scientist can use it to help patients, and art can be used to educate the public and the youth so that the future can be even brighter!


Saldaña Cavallé, Josep. "Programmable Bio-Nano-Chip as Medical Diagnostic Tool." NanoWiki. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://nanowiki.info/#%5B%5BProgrammable%20Bio-Nano-Chip%20as%20Medical%20Diagnostic%20T

http://www.unctwb.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/nanotechnology2.jpg

"art in the age of nanotechnology."Artabase. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.

http://covers.booktopia.com.au/big/9780590414272/the-magic-school-bus-inside-the-human-body.jpg

Saldaña Cavallé, Josep. "New nanoparticles make blood clots visible." NanoWiki. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.<http://nanowiki.info/#%5B%5BNew%20nanoparticles%20make%20blood%20clots%20visible%5D%5D>.

http://media.psnstores.com/images/microbot/4.jpg

Saldaña Cavallé, Josep . "Findings on Pollution Damage." NanoWiki. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://nanowiki.info/#%5B%5BFindings%20on%20Pollution%20Damage%5D%5D>.