At 12:01, on 4/15/09 the Sci-Art Summer Course ventured to the large theater in Westwood to experience the magic of Harry Potter. Although the origin of the field trip was for entertainment, it wasn’t difficult to discern the science of the future hidden on the screen. Magic spells could easily be photon guns, and plasma […]
Our first day of classes began with an introduction to microscopy. We discussed the various types of microscopes ranging from a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to transmitting electron microscopes (TES). As part of this opening, we toured the basement levels of the California NanoSystems Institute building. We divided into three groups so as we could […]
As part of today’s introduction, we discussed the importance of certain aspects of science and determining whether or not it is considered dangerous. One side of the argument is that modern science and technology have amplified our lives. Many aspects of science have become intergrated with our lives in order to create a better place […]
Last night we saw the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. It seemed very fitting to see this movie because it encompasses everything this program is about; incorporating science and art. Harry finds a school book that has new spells and ideas in it written by this “half blood prince.” He […]
As I arose from my bed today, I felt very under the weather. As the lecture began, I couldn’t help, but look forward to going to the campus store and getting some Dayquil. Immediately following my pessimistic attitude, I began to become interested in the topic being focused on. Watching videos about the future of […]
Today we did a did a lab involving ferrofluid. In a group of four we got different measurements of iron (III) chloride and iron (II) chloride and mixed it slowly with ammonium hyroxide to make a solution that was attracted to the magnet. We then mixed the solution with deionized water and poured out the […]
July 14, 2009 The singularity in technology is a theoretical future point during the period of change after a superintelligence has been created. The theory is based on that when artificial intelligence becomes just slightly more powerful that that of a human, creations from the machines will grow exponentially, at rates that are unprecedented. Vernor […]
Just two days after learning about the SEM (scanning electron microscope), I actually got to see it in action today. The first object placed under the lense was the hair from one of my group-mates. As I learned from before, the SEM can only produce black and white images, but even so, the details were […]
Today in the lecture, a video was shown that presented a new idea to us. The idea of the double split, particle motion, and probability of patterns matter makes is easy to understand and predict at the meter level. But when minimized to quantum level, the physics change. The electrons travel through the slit in […]
Today, I witnessed one of the coolest things ever. No, I’m not talking about Harry Potter- that’s tomorrow-, but what I did see was ferrofluids in action. Ferrofluid is a liquid that becomes polarized in the presence of a magnet or a magnetic field. When it is magnetized, it will usually become cone-like prongs that […]