Week 8 Blog 

“Use of Nanotechnology and Its
Importance Outside Your Televisions.”

This week reading consisted of “The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of fact and fiction in the construction of a new Science” by Jim Gimzewski and Victoria Vesna and watched lectures by a guest James K. Gimzewski a professor here at UCLA and they both had to do with the interconnections between nanotechnology and art. Nanotechnology has shaped our society through the art of science fiction (Gimzewski & Vesna). According to Jim Gimzewski, Nanotechnology can be defined as “science that is concerned with control of matter at the scale of atoms and molecules” (Gimzewski &Vesna). I found this to be interesting because atoms and molecules are constantly changing shape as they interact with each other. Like atoms and molecules which are constantly changing, we can also change our perception to view the world around us differently. Both nanotechnology and media arts have a common background in which to address the issue of manipulation.

“Consumer Products
Inventory.”

Since nanotechnology and art is being integrated as a part of our daily lives, I found it interesting when our professor stated it was going to be the pushing factor into the 21 century (Nanotech Intro). The future is in the palm of our hands with new advancements every day. I feel like this week’s topic was closely related to bioart with genetic mutation within the food we eat (Bioart pt4). According to Professor Gimzewski, there are currently over 1000 products on the market which have been made by nanotechnology. (Nanotech Jim pt6). Like genetic food, products made by nanotechnology are also controversial and many people do approve of them due to not knowing the future outcomes of consuming these products. For example, the product slim shake chocolate shake, is low in calories because it contains mostly silicon nanoparticles. The reason for this product being so rich in flavor is because the silicon is surrounded by chocolate which makes it a smaller number of calories.

“Increased Application of Silver Nanoparticles
 in Healthcare Entices Demand.” 

 One thing that really stood out to me was nanoparticles and how they have various effects on everyday products we use. For example, silver Nano particles, which are found in our gym clothes, socks, and even some refrigerators are antibacterial and prevent the growth of bacteria on these surfaces (Nanotech Jim pt3). Nanotechnology and art is being integrated into our daily lives by products we use and consume to even the way we perceive the world around us. 

 

“Properties and Applications of Silver Nanoparticles.”

References 

Bhisey, Rohit. “Increased Application of Silver Nanoparticles in Healthcare Entices Demand.” TMR Research Blog, 16 June 2017, tmrresearchblog.com/increased-application-silver-nanoparticles-healthcare-entices-demand/.

“Consumer Products Inventory.” PEN News, www.nanotechproject.org/cpi/products/nanoceuticalstm-slim-shake-chocolate/.

Gimzewski, Jim and Victoria Vesna.The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science, vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm.

“Properties and Applications of Silver Nanoparticles.” Properties and Applications of Quantum Dots, www.cd-bioparticles.com/t/Properties-and-Applications-of-Silver-Nanoparticles_60.html.

uconlineprogram. 5 Bioart pt4. YouTube, YouTube, 17 May 2012, Length 5:47. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qSc72u9KhI.

uconlineprogram. “Nanotech Intro.” YouTube, YouTube, 26 Mar. 2012, Length 1:02. www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ3y6TkXJ6Y.

uconlineprogram. “Nanotech Jim pt3.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 May 2012, Length 12:21. www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNiU_108.

uconlineprogram. “Nanotech Jim pt6.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 May 2012, Length 6:49. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKlViSKkPd0.

“Use of Nanotechnology and Its Importance Outside Your Televisions.” Use of Technology, Use of Technology, 18 Jan. 2017, www.useoftechnology.com/use-of-nanotechnology-and-its-importance/.