Today was the last day of camp, and I can’t believe it is already over. I feel like I just got here about 3 days ago. I had no idea what to expect when I came into this program and I had no idea what nanotechnology even was. Now that I’ve experienced these new ideas about science, met new, interesting people, and made new friends I am really happy I came.
Nanotechnology really has struck me as something worth learning more about. The topics we learned about were some things I had never heard about before this and could have had only been introduced to in this program. Looking at science at the nano level amazed me and allowed me to look at science in a way I never have before. Looking at molecules, atoms, and proteins on that scale really allowed me to conceptualize what our world is made out of and draw more comparisons in our universe.
It’s hard to see the likeness of art and science on the macro level, but this new perspective has really changed my opinion about the synthesis of the two subjects. I love how the program combined the two and drew comparisons I would have not thought of before. I not only learned about the similarities of art and science but also the other unlikely similarities our world has. I was surprised to conceptualize the fact that the atom had a very similar structure to that of the universe. Both have orbits circling around one central system. This image really made me think more about the other connections our universe may have,
Looking at topics and themes in an uncommon way was a motif that I found really intrigued me throughout this program. In order to find answers, it is important to look under the surface and avoid observing in a predictable manner. Not only do I look at science in a different way, but it seems that these connections have made the world seem a lot smaller.
http://www.crnano.org/whatis.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_technology
http://www.cnn.com/TECH/
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/
Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince was an extremely good representation of the fusion of art and science. Magic allows this connection because magic must follow the rules of science, but magic allows these rules to be expressed through an art form. Even the act of the wizards using magic is artistic and it shows the beauty that science can have.
Harry Potter was all well and good, but the show must go on. This morning we had an extremely interesting guest lecturer who taught us about the fusion of science and sound. We learned about auto tuning and the many different techniques DJs use to make their music better. He showed us an extremely entertaining video about auto tuning in the news which made surprisingly clear the extremely thin line between art and science. Overall, it was an extremely interesting lecture which I found extremely stimulating and interesting. I was able to clearly see how closely science and art forms really were.
Tonight we watched the extremely interesting movie Blade Runner. It was about a futuristic world in which robots were almost exactly the same as humans. An old cop had to come out of retirement to help the police find 5 extremely dangerous “replicants” that needed to be caught. It follows his quest through the annals of future society to find these dangerous robots. By the end of the movie these replicants have been humanized because they no longer recognize themselves as robots and have human emotions.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083658/
http://www.dj.net/
http://www.thedjlist.com/
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthehalf-bloodprince/
http://www.warnervideo.com/harrypotterdvd/
For the last day of the week, things did not turn out too bad, nor did they exactly turn out good. The day started out with a lecture by Victoria which turned out to be more of a biography and I am not much of a person who likes to listen to someone else’s life story to often and with the drag I ended up snoozing unfortunately. After the daily lecture, my group and I went up stairs to work on our presentation that we would be doing in a few hours. I did not actually like the idea of creating a cure for sickle cell as it lacked creativity and we only had broad ideas of how we would cure it, rather than some specifics.
After lunch we then all met in the CNSI auditorium to present out ideas. A lot of the students came up with some nice ideas. One that I liked was the being able to make models of famous art works, but I found that could be used to make replicas of many other things such as people or a miniature sun. Our presentation did not turn out so well considering we did not put much work and thought into it.
The day then ended with a presentation we were invited to by DESMA. The book samples I found very creative and artistic, however everything after that was a complete waste. The video games were all the same, and by the time I saw the second webpage and video I was asleep.
http://www.dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/Blood_Disorders/Sickle_Cell/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sickle_cell
http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Coverpage.html
http://www.dmoz.org/Computers/Internet/Web_Design_and_Development/
http://witcombe.sbc.edu/ARTHLinks.html
Today we had another lecture given by my very own counselors, Rita and Gao. They talked to us about shape and how it was applied to different aspects of the world as we know it. The categories within shape were nature, engineering, and art. The most important thing that I absorbed from the lecture was the fact that atoms, particles, etc. exist in so many more ways than I ever knew in these facets. For instance, crystals are atoms arranged in specific packing sequences and exist in different shapes that define certain characteristics about their selves such as ductility, hardness, and optical properties (face center cubic shape, hexagonal close faced). Although, I 
thought that the most interesting application of shape was Albert Einstein’s theory of the space-time continuum. Basically, Einstein states that the fabric of space is interwoven with the fabric of time. This creates the effect of gravity and answered many of the unanswered questions about gravity pondered hundreds of years ago by Isaac Newton. I then realized that thinking about the simplest things like shape can be applied outside the box to complicated issues and theories.
We also walked over to the campus’s Fowler Museum. We received a private tour of an aboriginal Australian tribe. The artwork there were really
Aboriginal Australian painting
interesting and different from Western works. These paintings were sacred pieces and looked much like our Pointillism works because dots depicting patterns or symbols covered the works. The point of these dots was so that the sacred drawings underneath the dots would be hidden from view from the vision of commoners and would only be in the knowledge of the high priests.
Fowler Museum
http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/two-fowler-exhibitions-showcase-84938.aspx
http://wandermelon.com/the-fowler-museum-showcases-aboriginal-australia%E2%80%99s-living-heritage-in-two-important-shows/
www.fowler.ucla.edu
www.spacetimecontinuum.org
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1921/einstein-bio.html
Today was another explorative day at CNSI. One of the lectures I found interesting was the one on light and how there were different perceptions on it as the study began to grow. The lecture then shifted to a more art related matter involving paintings and the substances used to create and preserve them. This however put me to sleep. The use of silver in one painting did catch my attention as it later aged and turned black.
After the lectures we then toured some more labs of CNSI, the first being an introduction to solar cells and trying to harness the sun’s energy to power the nation. I find this to be a very interesting matter to touch up on considering most solar panels can only capture 30% of the sun’s energy and put it to use. One idea came to me that I would try to do for my presentation and it would be finding some way to reduce molecular pressure from atomic collision in order to allow the system to function with less stress allowing better performance. After learning about solar panels, we went down stairs to experiment with one of the Scanning Electron Microscopes. A small thing that caught my attention was that they kept hydrogen at 4 degrees Kelvin, considering the lowest possible is o and I still think of some possibilities of reaching such a temperature although it I supposedly impossible.
Lastly, we went to another lab that involved multiple projects involving sol-gel and hydrophobia. I enjoyed the sol-gel the most as it was a very efficient and convenient way to produce glass and preserver our other resources.
http://www.microscopy.ethz.ch/history.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scanning_electron_microscope
http://ioannis.virtualcomposer2000.com/spectroscope/
http://projecteuclid.org/DPubS?verb=Display&version=1.0&service=UI&handle=euclid.ss/1009212817&page=record
http://www.isgs.org/
Today was the day that I really got a feel of how the rest of the camp would be like and would be able to develop a more comfort feel. After falling asleep on almost every lecture the past two days, I figured it would continue until the end of the program. Although they all contain information that I find appealing, some of the speakers add some unnecessary detail that elongate the lectures rather than skipping to the direct point. The introduction to vaults was something that grabbed my attention (but only for a few minutes before I fell asleep) as they can act as vessels to possible help transfer material throughout the body or can be used for addition storage of some kind to help a cell perform different functions. The guest lecture on silver was another engrossing presentation considering I learned a substance I see quite often can kill bacteria.
As for the more engaging tours and activities, I found the microscope attached to a cell phone was a very creative one allowing for more accessibility in microscopy research. The zero wave project was something I looked forward to during the day, but for some reason when I actually got to mess with them, I got bored really quick; it may have been the drowsiness from falling asleep during the lectures. Although the zero wave project did not have any practical everyday uses, it definitely opened many doors for scientific study and I look forward to seeing how some of these new inventions may turn out.
Lastly, the most exciting thing during the day was the spill proof lab coat which repelled the liquids we tossed on them due to hydrophobia in the material.
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/silver/
http://www.theodoregray.com/PeriodicTable/Elements/047/index.html
http://wetenschap.infonu.nl/scheikunde/18559-hydrofobe-interactie-of-reversed-phase-chromatografie.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrophobe
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vault_(organelle)
The past two weeks here at Sci |Art Camp have flown by so quickly. Tomorrow I will leave this place with a bounty full of new knowledge and a much more open mind about the connection between Science and Art. I will apply the new things I learn when I return to school in the fall. For example, I am taking a practical nursing class next year and will be able to discuss the use of nanotechnology in medicine for some of my assignments. I could talk about the use of vaults to send medicine into the body in helping to cure cancer, how nanobots might one day be used to diagnose dieases and to make biological materials. I will also be able to discuss the possible use of nanotechnology in treating diseases such as diabetes, hemophelia, AIDS and much more. I can teach my peers about the concept of nanofibers made of polyanaline fibers that come in contact with vapors and conduct electricity. The strength of the electricity varies according to the pH of the vapors. These nanofibers will be used as biosensors so that scientists may understand cell biology and predict future medical applications.
By far my most favorite aspect of the two weeks was being able to see the buckminster balls. Being able to take part and feel the relationship of movement and how it affects the size, shape and location of the balls helped me to further understand the connection between science and art. However, making the ferro fluids is a close second. It gave me a new appreciation for chemistry.
A blind photographer. This is seemingly oxymoronic. But, apparently, possible through the help of tech gadgets. Take for instance, Alex Dejong, featured photographer in Wired Magazine’s article, “Blind Photographers Use Gadgets to Realize Artistic Vision.” Dejong is a professional photographer who lost his eyesight due to a brain tumor. He, however, did not let this hinder his passion for photography. Technology plays a major role in assisting Dejong capture life on film. He uses a Nokia N82 cellphone which has assistive software to translate sounds from his surroundings into visuals. Dejong uses this to help him get a better understanding of where he is contextually. He then picks up his Canon and snaps.
Unfortunately for Dejong, he has had trouble editing his photos because he cannot see them. For this he hired an editor. But, now, with the help of Apple’s iPhone 3GS, he can edit his own photos himself. Called VoiceOver, the application reads back anything a user places his finger over on the screen: email, web pages, etc. Join this feature with photo-editing applications such as CameraBag and now Dejong and others can edit.
After reading this article I found how instrumental and extremely significant technology is in the lives of disabled individuals. I am very thankful that there are helpful little gadgets that can be combined creatively to perform/aide in tasks to help the blind. It is great that Dejong can continue to work. I think if I ever get into the technology field, I would like to create assistive software/gadgets. Because, really, if you take a look at Dejong’s work, it’s simply amazing. These photos are definitely something the world could not go without. It almost, for a second, gives you a peak into his world.
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/07/blind-photographers
http://www.nevercenter.com/camerabag/
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/06/liveblog-wwdc09/
http://www.apple.com/accessibility/voiceover/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lodrorigdzin
By Lily | Published:
July 16, 2009
The Sci | Art 2009 program was a very interesting new experience for me. I’d never gone to this kind of summer program and especially coming alone for two weeks on a college campus. I wasn’t sure what to expect or for that matter how much we would do and see. But they had everything planned out and our schedule planned. I really enjoyed the little trips to labs and the Getty museum.
I was really facinated by the Sol Gel lab we went to. Mostly cause when they mentioned aerogel I knew what they were talkng about because i did a science fair poject in middle school on it. But seeing the real thing n front of me and glowing was really cool and I could see how not only in science but it could be applied to an art piece as well.
Ferrofluids!!! I’d been looking forward to this experiment when i had first heard the words magnetic liquid. You wouldn’t expect those two words together let alone thinking it cold be possible. Making it was a slow and patient process but well worth it because then you got to see first hand its not fake and possible to create. I’d never heard about it before, but after all the decanting and getting the finished substance was really cool. The magnet was small, not even that strong, but it worked and seeing the liquid spike up and move according to your movement was very neat.
I LOVED the photolithography. I think this was a great example and experiment to do. When I heard about how the process is done it reminded me of the solar paper that what ever u put on top of stays shaded and the rest exposed to light would get lightened. Being able to make a design and transfer it to a chip through the chemical processes intrigued me and I love how personal you could make it.
My last favorite part of this program was the Anechoic Chamber. Walking in was like no other room i’d ever seen. I didn’t know the floor would be made of wire mesh and even be able to hold the amount of weight that was on it. The walls and floor was unique and when the lights were off, I was surprised to how dark it got. I closed my eyes and opened them and you couldn’t even tell the difference. Even cooler part was when we got tape rolls and he told us t stip it really fast from the roll. That confused me and I didn’t understand what a roll of tape had to do with a dark room and how that would be related. But after a few tries I finally got it. The vibrations the tape made with the sound created a glowing light to appear. I really enjoyed that and couldn’t stop to where i had a huge ball of tape in my hand. It was so quite and peaceful when no one moved or talked.
Overall I was satisfied with this program. Not only did I learn about science and art, visiting labs, do experiments, I got a little taste of college. Living in a dorm, walking around campus, having to make it to a class and be at places at specific times. I liked being able to meet new people every where, and having such a mix of people. I felt that this was just a step up and prepared me for the future.
“Sign up for a summer camp at UCLA or UCSD!” yelled my mom one December night. I somewhat reluctantly searched for a science/math/medical camp at the chosen colleges that I could attend without disrupting summer school or any other activities I would be having during the summer.
Google Search: Sci|Art Nanolab
Intrigued by the description of the camp, I reported to my mom that I found a program that incorporated both science and art.
On July 5, I arrived at UCLA Hedrick Hall not knowing anyone and feeling like I was going to miss my friends at home A LOT. Not long after, I met many individuals who were so fun and exciting to be around. (: Also, I realized that this camp would not be boring at all, but rather busy and experience gaining.
The lectures were something. Several times I found myself dozing off [stayed up too late talking or something similar] but then I’d look back and think that the topics of discussion were indeed introducing new ways of thinking. Each instructor helped all of us understand better the connection between science and art; each mentor worked hard to put together lectures and lab visits; each counselor put up with all of our fooling around. This Nanotechnology summer camp allowed me to view studies in different ways and encouraged me to meet others from all over the world. The people here have influenced me in ways indescribable and I will always remember what I’ve learned. (: <3
July 2009
– First time i slapped a guy on the face :]
– collected 8 different Sobe bottles
– Met someone from London
– Caught a Legendary KwangHo 😀
– I bought a Hello Kitty Panda for $38
– I met some people with the last names of Huh & Scrumpf
– I jumped in the elevator
– Some guy asked me if i <3 “tENnIS”
– Leah came out of the closet [July 16]
– I learned a valuable lesson: the most awesomest person in the world is Christina
– I learned how to say “Don’t Eat My Dog” in Korean ;]
– I ate Diddy Riese
– I had a ton of fun (:
This is True Love. (;
