The link between art and nanotechnology tries to reinvent our understanding of the physical world around us and enhance our lives. For example, “Nano_essence is an interactive audio-visual installation where the viewer interfaces with the visual and sonic presentation through his or her own breath… In Nano_essence a single skin cell is analyzed with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to explore comparisons between, life and death at a nano level” (Curtin 1). This project is interesting because it questions what constitutes as life and death. This study at the nano-level has the “potential to move atoms around to create new materials, forms and structures replicating the construction of man from dust particles” (Thomas and Raxworthy 1).
Another field that has linked humans to nanotechnology and art is in nanomedicine. Cancer biomarkers are produced naturally by tumor cells; however, they are typically produced in small quantities. In early detection of cancer, nanoparticles can be injected into the targeted tumor and interact with the cancer cells, causing them to produce more biomarkers. This makes it easier for doctors to locate and analyze the full extent of the tumor to best begin treatment. Nanoparticles can be injected into the tumor and heated, killing cancer cells with magnetic fields, X-Rays, or light. Chemotherapy is also used to treat these localized cancer cells (“Nanomedicine in Cancer” 1).
The most interesting topic that I have found in relation to nanotechnology and art is its use in the enhancement of sports equipment, particularly in tennis (since I’m a tennis player). “Equipments such as footballs/tennis balls with nano-clay lining as a barrier material uphold pressure for a longer game-play… The famous tennis player Roger Federer has won many tournaments including Wimbeldon using nano-enhanced racquets (Wilson nSix-One Tour 90, nCode & K Factor) reinforced with SNPs. These racquets are more stable, stronger and have 22% more ball-hitting power than other non-nano based racquets” (Verma 1).
Bibliography
Curtin, John. "Art in the Age of Nanotechnology: A Perth International Arts Festival Exhibition." Art.base. Art.base, 5 Feb. 2010. Web. 24 May 2015. <https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.
Gimzewski, James K.. "Nanotech Jim Pt3." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 23 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0HCNiU_108>.
Gimzewski, James K. "Nanotech Jim Pt4." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 23 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHCuZetAIhk>.
"Nanomedicine in Cancer." European Technology Platform Nanomedicine. European Technology Platform Nanomedicine, n.d. Web. 24 May 2015. <http://www.etp-nanomedicine.eu/public/about-nanomedicine/nanomedicine-applications/nanomedicine-in-cancer>.
Raxworthy, Kevin, and Paul Thomas. "Nanoessence." Visiblespace. WordPress, n.d. Web. 24 May 2015. <http://visiblespace.com/blog/?page_id=122>.
Verma, Abhilasha. "Nanotechnology in Sports Equipment: The Game Changer." Nanotechnology in Sports Equipment: The Game Changer. Nanowerk, 27 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2015. <http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=30661.php>.
Images:
Curtin, John. "Art in the Age of Nanotechnology: A Perth International Arts Festival Exhibition." Art.base. Art.base, 5 Feb. 2010. Web. 24 May 2015. <https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.
Fahmel, Herbert. "Nanotech in Sports Equipment." N1 Group C Blog - NanoTechnology. Blogger, 8 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2015. <http://n1groupcnano.blogspot.com/2013/05/nanotech-in-sports-equipment.html>.
"Small Tools for a Big Cause: How Nanomedicine Contributes to Better Cancer Diagnostic and Therapy." Small Tools for a Big Cause: How Nanomedicine Contributes to Better Cancer Diagnostic and Therapy. VDI/VDE-Innovation + Technik GmbH, 30 Jan. 2013. Web. 24 May 2015. <http://www.alphagalileo.org/Organisations/ViewItem.aspx?OrganisationId=302&ItemId=128069&CultureCode=en>.
Verma, Abhilasha. "Nanotechnology in Sports Equipment: The Game Changer." Nanotechnology in Sports Equipment: The Game Changer. Nanowerk, 27 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2015. <http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=30661.php>.
Hi Robin,
ReplyDeleteI liked your post about how nanotechnology can be applied in sports equipment, such as tennis racquets, to make them stronger and more durable. As mentioned, famous tennis player Roger Federer won many tournaments from using nano-enhanced racquets reinforced with SNPs, and I was wondering if you might know about any regulations being enforced in these tournaments with regards to nano-enhanced equipment? Is it legal or unfair to use these kinds of equipment in tournaments? Do the players have to declare what kind of equipment they are using? I'm just rather curious since using nano-enhanced equipment seems to be similar to using perhaps drugs to enhance a human's athletic abilities during competitions. Otherwise, cool post and great insights!
- Amanda Lim
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