NANO: WHERE ART MEETS SCIENCE

August 18, 2004
		Through an interactive exhibit, professors James Gimzewski and Victoria Vesna from the University of California at Los Angeles hope to inform visitors about the basics and uses of nanotechnology. The two answer your questions on nanotechnology, and how art can help us better understand the complex field.

Online NewsHour Special Report: Nanotechnology: Where Art and Science Meet Forum Introduction What are the potential applications for nanotechnology in medical science? What are some examples of the use of nanotechnology in practical applications today? What about the dangers of novel, tiny molecular assemblages interacting in unforeseen ways with the biota? What are the theological implications of nanotechnology? Is this exhibit going to be traveling to other art museums or "nano" conferences around the country?	David Farrar of Cambridge, Mass., asks: What are the potential applications for nanotechnology in medical science? Professors James Gimzewski and Victoria Vesna respond: Medicine has shown great advances from the use of microelectronics through computer technology while giving a more molecular understanding of disease through biotechnology. The potential uses of nanotechnology expand upon online and wearable diagnosis and health monitoring. Likewise, advanced intelligent prosthetic devices for drug release on demand at the locations in the body for maximum efficacy and minimum side-effects. Nanotechnology also has the capability to reduce dramatically the size and cost medical care. For instance I am actively collaborating with Michael Titel, head of pediatrics at the UCLA Medical School in the diagnosis of diseases based on research on single cells. Although cells are not considered nano level, the tools we are using are those used in nanotechnology research and allow us to probe deeper into metabolic function.