Week 5: Nanotech + Art

In this week’s lectures and videos, I was introduced to the nanotechnology industry. Dr. Gimzewski does a great job of diving into this industry and talking about its true potential. It fascinates me how something that humans cannot see with the naked eye can make such a huge impact in our world. With the use of a microscope, we are able to witness the beauty of nanotechnology and observe how we can apply our findings to every day a life.

A portion that I found most insightful was the adhesive properties of a gecko’s feet that Dr. Gimzewski talks about. Their feet allow them to stick on to vertical surfaces without falling. They are able to do this because of the nan-structure on their feet. Scientists now are still unable to copy the nano-structures of a gecko; however if humans manage to harness this characteristic this would mean humans can one day climb on buildings. As a matter of fact, in the movie Mission Impossible 4, it exercise this idea when Tom Cruise uses gecko gloves in order to climb onto the building. 

Gecko Gloves from Mission Impossible 4 

Another use of nanotechnology that I found interesting is its use in computers. With every passing year, computers become more advanced and efficient. Part of the reason they become more efficient is because of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology allows engineers to significantly shrink the size of the computer chip. The new, smaller computer chip can still produce the same function as the old, larger ones. This makes it much cheaper for manufacturers. The use of nanotechnology can be applicable to a variety of industries from tech to art and to even our everyday appliances.

Use of nanotechnology in computer chips

This is what surprised me the most about nanotechnology. I did not realize that nanotechnology can be found in our every day appliances. For instance, some clothing such as socks and underwear contain silver nanoparticles that can destroy bacteria. Essentially, the silver nanotechnology acts as armor that protects the appliance against germs and bacteria. This silver nanotechnology can be found not only in clothes, but also food containers, face masks, laundry detergent and more.

Silver nanoparticle

Sources 

Feder, Barnaby. “The Art of Nanotech.” Bits The Art of Nanotech Comments. New York Times, 25 Jan. 2008. Web. 21 July 2016.

Flatow, Ira. "How Tiny Nanoparticles Are Transforming Technology." How Tiny Nanoparticles Are Transforming Technology : NPR. NPR, 4 Sept. 2009. Web. 21 July 2016.

Gaudin, Sharon. MIT uses nanotech to shrink chips to 25nm. Computer World. Web . 21 July 2016. 

“Silver Nanoparticles – How They Are Bringing Antibacterial Properties To Household Appliances and Products.” AZoM.com. N.p., 17 Aug. 2006. Web. 21 July 2016.

"What Is Silver Nano Health System in Samsung Refrigerators?" What Is Silver Nano Health System in Samsung Refrigerators? N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016.

Images 

“Gecko Gloves.” NASA. N.p., 10 July 2014. Web. 21 July, 2016.

“Nanosilver.” Ecouterre. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July, 2016.

“What is a Computer Chip.” Wise Geek. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 July, 2016.