I sat on the wooden floor of a dark and serene room, completely calm and aware of my surroundings. The room was dark except for the neon projection of jelloey structures floating on the wall surface. I used the motion of my shadow to manipulate these floating bubbles using slow, intentional motions, unknowingly slipping further and further into the depths of my own subconscious.
OK, maybe it wasn’t so dramatic. But it was certainly a very calming experience. The jelloey bubbles were in fact images of nano-sized particles called Buckminster balls. The fact that we got the chance to ‘play’ with them using our own shadows let us not only explore the scientific aspect of the behavior of these molecular structures but also see the inspirational quality and the beauty of scientific endeavors.
The beauty of nanoscale particles is projected to fuel many more projects in the arena of entertainment and art. For example, images from scanning microscopes can be used to view the beauty and symmetry of molecules. Further nanoscale particles can be used for other purposes, for instance to create better sports equipment, computers, etc.
So, immediately, various applications for bucky ball projections came to mind. People use such a large variety of methods to rid themselves of depression, stress, and anger: stress balls, yoga, kickboxing, you name it. If this method was to be introduced to the public in an easily attainable manner- it could gain unspeakable popularity. Imagine dance classes where the routine is made up of the motion of the dancer’s shadows and the bucky balls. Imagine yoga classes where the objective is to keep these bucky balls afloat. How about using bucky balls as play things for children, or as replacements for night lights? Even though it may seem farfetched right now, it is possible that we have just come upon a trendy source of entertainment for the 21st century individual.
http://www.ifiwasamillionaire.com/category/nanotechnology/
http://www.lehigh.edu/~inimagin/intronano.html
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