genoa_rossiDESMA9

I think it was very interesting to start off this weeks studies by suggesting that nanotechnology is what is going to push technology over the edge in the 21 Century. The most interesting topics for me this week consisted of a Ted talk, by Ray Kurzweil addressing singularity and a lecture by James K. Gimewski discussing the use of nanoparticles to improve human life.  In the Ted Talk, I was fascinated by Ray's understanding of the progression of technology. For example, Ray uses an anecdote from our everyday lives detailing the rapid expansion of chips used in computers to transfer information and the decreasing in size of those chips into phones and storing even more knowledge, being more advanced the smaller they get. Ray also expresses the use of solar technology and how the application of nanotechnology is accelerating the benefits from it.  Additionally, the lecture by James K. Gimewski was completely captivating. He suggests that nano-medicine is going to change the medi...

 The lessons I learned about neuroscience and art this week were fascinating. The first moment that my jaw dropped was after watching the lecture video about Freud's addiction to cocaine and how that sparked some of his ideas that we accept today. Additionally, I was shocked by the scientist Hoffman, and his curiosity about LSD. It was so interesting to learn how LSD was discovered and the side affects that came with it.  .       Another lesson that caught my attention was the experiment done by Cristina Albu which made the brainwaves and rhythms going on in someones head visable to those around them through lights and colors. The goal of the experiment was to allow others to perceive the feelings of others.  Finally, I found the zoom with Daniel Jay very inspiring. He talks about finding your unique voice, and how one can employ that into their work. I thought it was interesting how he used his Science and Art to form abstract expressionism through na...

 For my second event, I visited the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History located near USC. It was an amazing experience. This event really helped me further understand the affect art can have on science. The museum had a myriad of exhibits ranging from the prehistoric ages of the dinosaurs to the depths of the sea and through great forests and safaris. The museum really reached into the history of earth.  The first exhibit I started in was the dinosaur one and I was astonished with how big everything once was. It was amazing how the artists could capture the size of the beasts that used to live amongst us and even more fascinating how articulate they were with each bone. It was also terrifying to see their razor sharp teeth. One of the plaques clarified that some dinosaurs have 1000 teeth. CRAZY! Additionally, I went to the exhibit under the sea which talked about the history of Los Angelos and how we were once submerged underwater due to the shifting of tectonic plates. In t...

   BioTechnology by definition is "technology that utilizes biological systems, living organisms or parts of this to develop or create different products". Think about everyday life. Think about all the innovations and creations we have made due to biotechnology. BioTech is used in agriculture, medicine, personal care, ect. All everyday things we use everyday.            For me, I have never minded the uses of biotech. In fact I love all food regardless if its organic, full of GMO's, or bad for you. In a video created by every day eaters of the fabulous fast food restaurant McDonalds, the guy puts different items off the menu into jars. He puts a quarter pounder in one, a big mac in another, fries in one, and so on so fourth. Then in a few other jars, he distributes fries from a normal restaurant, and a burger not from McDonalds into another jar. Every few weeks he checks in on the food. Disgustingly enough, everything got moldy and rotted. E...

 The event I decided to attend was a trip to the Getty Museum. For me, this was an easy choice because I love art and was excited to see what all the hype was about in this iconic museum. When venturing to this museum, the artwork I saw was incredible.  Behind each painting, sculpture and image, their was so much raw emotion. For example in this painting of a man with his mouth open and arms stretched I had so many different thoughts going through my mind. Was he yawning? Was he yelling? Was he screaming out in pain? The image was almost comical.  Additionally, something I found truly extraordinary was the history behind all of the artwork. For example, In this image, was see what looks like ruins in an art piece called, "Modern Rome". Which brings me to the lessons I have learned in Desma about Math and Art. The image has your eyes wondering all over the page, but has features more defined in the foreground and they wash out as one looks further back. This brings me to t...

     For centuries, art has shaped society in many ways. From early doctors trying to identify parts of the body to depictions of pain and onward to memorializing beautiful souls. We see these two fields in every day life and it is truly amazing. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of the medical field and the artistic realm has been transformative to the health and formation of society.      When humans starting dissecting bodies, they had to use art in order to make a map of the human body. They had to clearly sketch every detail and shadow in order to identify specific bones, muscles and structures. In addition, it was important to seek the cadavers in order to see the internal anatomy and discover the functions of human parts aside from injury.      According to Virgil Wong, an artist who works with technology to improve human health, "Medicine helps us live longer lives, but art is about why we live"(Virgil Wong).   I think this quo...

      Industrialization is the key ingredient into making America what it is today. Starting from the first civilization, people have been using tools and technology in order to make life simpler, efficient and all around better.  For example, the printing press created by the Chinese in 1040, allowed for the quicker and quality production of books and newspapers which expanded education and grew the media.       Additionally, philosopher, Walter Benjamin, helped expand the popular culture phenomenon through the production of children's literature and writing about toys, travel, gambling etc. Therefore, the discussion of these topics helped shape society and created a better understanding for the worlds top commodities.       Some may argue that we as a society are moving too fast, and, the industrialization of society is dangerous. The machines and factories that have been created are polluting earth and causing more dama...