This week’s
topic regarding nanotechnology introduced new subject areas of quantum physics
and chemistry. Dr. Gimzewski’s introduction of nanotechnology was brilliant. He
touched on Richard Feynman’s famous lecture “There’s Plenty of Room at the
Bottom” (Gimzewski). In this lecture in 1959, Feynman states, “The principles
of Physics, as far as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of
maneuvering things atom by atom” (Feynman). This is applicable now with
chemistry tools such as mass spectroscopy. In this this technique, a molecule
is broken into smaller ions by bombarding it with electrons. The fragments are
then able to be detected through a spectrometer. Such a commonly used tool used
in research labs and even courses such as CHEM 14CL are a prime example of
nanotechnology.
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| Mass Spec Chart showing the fragment ions |
Mass Spec Explained
After hearing the
lectures from Dr. Gimzewski, I began researching some of his laboratory work at
UCLA. One project that his lab worked on involved cancer diagnosis through
nanotechnology. Immunofluorescence (IF) of cancer tissue supported that cancer cells
are “softer” than normal cells. This type of research is extremely significant
and combines wide range of subject areas to attempt to diagnosis one of the deadliest
diseases. This week, I was introduced to nanotechnology including its history
and found myself investigating areas in my academic career where nanotechnology
is prominent. Mass spectroscopy and advancing microscope technologies have allowed
us to visualize individual cells, bacteria, etc. As Dr. Gimzewski mentions, we are able to visualize
at the nanometer scale. These tools have allowed for the creative minds such as
in Dr. Gimzewski’s lab to work on answering important physiological questions.
 |
| IF of Cancer Cells |
Sources:
Feynman,
Richard P. “There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom.” Phy.pku.edu, CaliforniaInstitute of Technology (Caltech), 1960, www.phy.pku.edu.cn/~qhcao/resources/class/QM/Feynman's-Talk.pdf.
Gimzewski,
James. “Nanotech Jim pt1.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=704&v=q7jM6-iqzzE.
Gimzewski Lab.
“Cancer Diagnosis by AFM.” Cancer
Diagnosis by AFM | Gimzewski Lab, Gimzewski , gim.chem.ucla.edu/content/cancer-diagnosis-afm.
Harris,
William. “How Mass Spectrometry Works.” HowStuffWorks
Science, HowStuffWorks, 28
June 2018, science.howstuffworks.com/mass-spectrometry.htm.
Mendis,
Lakshini. “Imaging Mass Spectrometry: The New(Ish) Kid on the Block.” Bitesize Bio, Bitesize Bio, 9 July 2016,
bitesizebio.com/25770/imaging-mass-spectrometry-the-newish-kid-on-the-block/.
I really liked your emphasis on how nanotechnology looks at things on a very small scale, moving things "atom by atom" so to say. It really drives your point home that nanotechnology has endless possibilities as to what it can do and create because of its ability to alter things at their base. I also appreciated how you highlighted that nanotechnology opens up a creative medium of expression for scientists. As you noted in your post, it allows them to do things such as finding new ways to diagnose cancer, which could possibly lead to things such as cures or effective treatments. Your post really made me think more about how unique and amazing nanotechnology could be, in addition to making me more aware of its uses in my life as well (such as chemistry lab)!
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