Art meets science at UW-Madison nanotechnology expo

The interactive art installation, zero@wavefunction, is one of the highlights of NanoExpo, a free, hands-on public exposition at the University of Wisconsin–Madison about nanotechnology—science on a miniature scale—and its role in our lives.

A traveling exhibit from the University of California-Los Angeles, the installation features tiny molecules projected on screens at gigantic scales. Using movement and shadows, passersby can trigger on-screen reactions, similar to the way in which scientists manipulate molecules on a small scale.

As a result of nanotechnologists’ efforts, today minute transistors power the latest computer microprocessors, molecular-scale particles strengthen materials such as steel and aluminum, scientists study single DNA strands to learn about genetic codes, and manufacturers use atomic-scale structures to build the light-emitting diodes in stoplight lamps. In the future, tiny robots within the body could treat diseases by repairing “sick” cells or tissue.

NanoExpo runs May 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Engineering Centers Building on the UW–Madison campus. It features hands-on exhibits of nanotechnology in action, demonstrations of instruments used in nanotechnology research, a poster session about raising kids’ science interest via nanotechnology and workshops geared toward helping K-through-12 educators introduce nanotechnology science to students, as well as helping them develop methods to bring this technology into the classroom.

Arthur Ellis—director of the National Science Foundation’s chemistry division, UW–Madison chemistry professor and former director of education and outreach for the university’s NSF-funded Materials Research Science and Engineering Center on Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces—will cap the event with an address about the nation’s priorities for science education and outreach.

The Engineering Centers Building is located at 1550 Engineering Drive, Madison. Parking is available in the adjacent Lot 17 ramp. For more information about the exposition, visit nano.engr.wisc.edu, e-mail nano@engr.wisc.edu or call (608) 265-3783.