Week 8: NanoTech & Art

Prior to this week, I wasn't sure if I even understood what nanotechnology was. However, after this week's unit, not only do I recognize what nanotechnology entails, but also how it connects with art. Nanotechnology essentially creates a way for people to perceive our world with a sense of "sensing and connectivity" (Gimzewski, 2012). Nanotechnology has brought our world to where it is today and has the capability to take us into another level of discovery and innovation. 

One topic of nanotechnology that has caught my eye is the invention of the microchip implants. According to an article, a systems engineer named Dave Williams is part of a group of "biohackers" that chose to augment their bodies with nanotechnology (Gray, 2017). This allows for Williams to essentially be a walking contactless smart card that can perform many different tasks like open doors or unlock his computer.

(An image of Dave Williams hand with the microchip implanted)

Just like any other technology, like the smartphone or microwave, this microchip is a form of art. These microchips are essentially categorized as radio-frequency identification devices that allow for tasks like communication and credit card functions (Grauer, 2018). Many are worried about health complications with the chips, but even the insertion of the microchip is an art. Supposedly, these microchip implantations are safer and have less complications than ear piercings. 

(An example of what a normal microchip implantation would look like)

An example of nanotechnology before it even became a field is the Lycurgus Cup from the Roman times. What makes this cup so special is that it looks jade green when lit from the front and blood-red from the back (Merali, 2013). This feat was done by grinding particles of silver and gold as small as 50 nanometers in diameter and impregnating the glass. Although nanotechnology wasn't an official science yet, this form of art displays the artistry and innovativeness of the Romans, even though some historians believe this happened by accident (Smithfield, 2017). 

(Images of the Lycurgus Cup from Ancient Roman times)

Images Cited

Grauer, Yael. “A Practical Guide to Microchip Implants.” Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2018, arstechnica.com/features/2018/01/a-practical-guide-to-microchip-implants/.

Gray, Richard. “Capital - The Surprising Truths and Myths about Microchip Implants.” BBC News, BBC, 2 Aug. 2017, www.bbc.com/capital/story/20170731-the-surprising-truths-and-myths-about-microchip-implants.

Merali, Zeeya. “This 1,600-Year-Old Goblet Shows That the Romans Were Nanotechnology Pioneers.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 Sept. 2013, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-1600-year-old-goblet-shows-that-the-romans-were-nanotechnology-pioneers-787224/.

References

Grauer, Yael. “A Practical Guide to Microchip Implants.” Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 3 Jan. 2018, arstechnica.com/features/2018/01/a-practical-guide-to-microchip-implants/.

Gray, Richard. “Capital - The Surprising Truths and Myths about Microchip Implants.” BBC News, BBC, 2 Aug. 2017, www.bbc.com/capital/story/20170731-the-surprising-truths-and-myths-about-microchip-implants.

“Infonomia.” James K. Gimzewski, Nanotechnology Pioneer, www.infonomia.com/james-k-gimzewski-nanotechnology-pioneer/.

Merali, Zeeya. “This 1,600-Year-Old Goblet Shows That the Romans Were Nanotechnology Pioneers.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 Sept. 2013, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-1600-year-old-goblet-shows-that-the-romans-were-nanotechnology-pioneers-787224/.

"Nanotech Jim pt2." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 24 May 2018.

"Nanotech Jim pt4." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 24 May 2018.

"Nanotech Jim pt6." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 24 May 2018.

Smithfield , Brad. “The Lycurgus Cup- A 4th-Century Roman Glass Cage Cup That Changes Color When Lit from Different Angles.” The Vintage News, 7 Aug. 2017, www.thevintagenews.com/2016/08/29/the-lycurgus-cup-a-4th-century-roman-glass-cage-cup-that-changes-color-when-lit-from-different-angles/.