Week 8, Nanotechnology + Art

Shirt is resistant to stains

Nanotechnology sounds like a concept of the future, but the idea that its unique properties and techniques have been utilized for thousands of years interested me the most of this week's material.  The ability for very small particles to have different capabilities and properties than its bigger form allows for a world of creativity and alteration of the norm.  Self-cleaning clothing, a concept made possible by the use of nanotechnology, has the power to change industries.  With clothing that repels all substances, stains and ruined clothing are a thing of the past.  Instead of spending hours cleaning a truck, self-cleaning paint will "kill" car washes according to Jordan Golson.

Hologram

The use of nanotechnology with graphene is being used to change the way LED screens work.  Scientists at the Swinburne University of Technology have been able to create a hologram that viewers can see without 3D glasses.  Other than bringing the world closer to the technology in the movie Iron Man, this technology has the potential to help with remote education and medical diagnosis according to Professor Min Gu.

Used cigarette butts can be used for energy

In order to combat global warming, countries have promised to limit usage of certain chemicals and processes that produce waste.  However, according to Tim Redford, scientists have created technology to speed up the reduction of greenhouse gasses by using nanotechnology to artificially create photosynthesis in fake trees.  Inventions like this work at higher rates than naturally found in nature, and show promise in capturing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  With this same goal in mind to save the environment, scientists at Seoul National University say that nanotechnology can be used to help transfer the carbon found in used cigarettes into energy that can be utilized for everyday use.

Nanotechnology has endless applications for today and the future because it bends the previous rules of what is possible.

Works Cited

Golson, Jordan. "RIP, Car Washes: See Nissan’s New Self-Cleaning Paint in Action." Wired. Conde Nast Digital, 28 Apr. 2014. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://www.wired.com/2014/04/self-washing-car/>. 

Holograms Next Step in Realistic Training for Tomorrow’s Troops. Digital image. National Defense. N.p., Nov. 2014. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2014/November/Pages/HologramsNextStepinRealisticTrainingforTomorrow’sTroops.aspx>. 

Iron Man 2. Dir. Jon Favreau. Perf. Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke. Paramount Home Entertainment, 2010. Youtube.com. 

Patel, Aamir. Silic. Digital image. Kickstarter. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015. <https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/741186545/a-shirt-that-cleans-itself>. 

Radford, Tim. "Artificial Trees and Nanotechnology: Climate Saviours?" RTCC Artificial Trees and Nanotechnology Climate Saviours Comments. N.p., 23 Apr. 2015. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://www.rtcc.org/2015/04/23/artificial-trees-and-nanotechnology-climate-saviours/>. 

Swinburne University of Technology. "Nanotechnology Enables Glass-free 3D Holograms." Nano Werk. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news/newsid=39857.php>. 

"Used Cigarette Butts May Power Future Computers." Deccan Herald. Nanotechnology, 18 May 2015. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://www.deccanherald.com/content/478240/used-cigarette-butts-may-power.html>. 

Used Cigarette Butts Offer Energy Storage Solution. Digital image. Science Daily. N.p., 15 May 2015. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150515144950.htm>.