EVENT 3: Leonard Kleinrock Internet Heritage Site

EVENT 3: Leonard Kleinrock Internet Heritage Site

For the third event, I decided to go to the Leonard Kleinrock Internet Heritage Site in Boelter Hall. I had a class in Boelter my freshman year and had occasionally walked by, however, I never really took a deeper look into this room until this assignment. As I looked closer I learned that this room is actually honoring one of UCLA's great achievements. It is a fairly known fact at UCLA that it is the location where the internet was first tested sending a message from a computer on campus to another computer located at Stanford. This idea that a message could be sent from one computer to another hundreds of miles away was revolutionary. This changed the digital world and lead to developments that we cherish today.




It was interesting to see how they set up the room, everything looked pristine and perfectly placed. It seemed as if nothing in the room had changed since they sent that first message. It was painted a minty green color with the Interface Message Processor, the machine used to send the message, in the corner of the room. There were two desks, cabinets, and pictures on the walls recording the historical moment.




Going to this museum exhibit was interesting because I got to glimpse in the past and appreciate all of the tools the internet has brought me today. Without that discovery, you would not be able to send emails, text, or even attend an online class such as this one. The Internet has lead to the distribution of information in a matter of second, it had revolutionized our world to be more advanced. It has allowed all the corners of the world to meet behind a single screen and enhanced communication time to be cut vastly. Overall I think this exhibit would be a really cool place to visit. The only downside I have to this experience was not being allowed into the room. For preservation reason, the public is not allowed to enter but it was still really cool to look at this space from being a door.

Chan, Casey, and Casey Chan. “The Birthplace of the Internet.” Gizmodo, Gizmodo, 18 June 2013, gizmodo.com/the-birthplace-of-the-internet-5791838

Kudler, Adrian Glick. “Here's the Room at UCLA Where the Internet Was Born (It Tweets).” Curbed LA, Curbed LA, 11 Apr. 2011, la.curbed.com/2011/4/11/10473182/heres-the-room-at-ucla-where-the-internet-was-born-it-tweets-1.

Kudler, Adrian Glick. “Touring the Recreated 1969 Birthplace of the Internet at UCLA.” Curbed LA, Curbed LA, 29 Oct. 2018, la.curbed.com/2011/10/31/10429196/internet-invented-ucla-first-message-museum.

“Milestones:Birthplace of the Internet, 1969.” Milestones:Birthplace of the Internet, 1969 - Engineering and Technology History Wiki, ethw.org/Milestones:Birthplace_of_the_Internet,_1969.

“Technology News.” Technology News, 12 Jul 2013 | 15 Minute News - Know the News, The Atlantic, www.15minutenews.com/technology/2013/07/12/#!

WEEK 9: Space and Art

WEEK 9: Space and Art 

Space has always been a fascinating topic in our culture. The United States took part in its first space explorations during the Cold War between 1947 and 1991. The space race, the competition between nations regarding achievements in the field of space exploration, took place between the United States and the Soviet Union. The public was excited about the new possibilities this era brought. Literature and film started to touch base on exploring the universe and discovering a new scientific field. American youth became exposed to technology, scientific innovation and space, through television shows like Lost in Space (1965-1968) The Jetsons  (original series from 1962-1963) and novels such as Logan’s Run (1976).


Space has always been a fascinating subject for me. The discussion of distance and scale was interesting in this weeks discussion. Contrary to last weeks topic about particles being too small, this week we talk about a scale that is so large we can’t grasp it all. When discussing space we do not discuss it using “meters”, rather distance is measured in light years. In 1990 the Hubble Space Telescope was released giving the world real photographic perspectives of what might lie beyond our atmosphere. The telescope works by receiving uninterrupted light waves from the universe. Those light waves are then digitized and transferred into photographs. In the first photograph that was received planets, galaxies, stars, and nebulae could be seen. This photograph inspired awe in many people, artists started to create films, music, and art based on these images.



Some specific forms of art that really impacted our society was the creation of Star Wars and Star Trek. The demand for sci-fi films increased with the beginning of the Space Race. Star Trek came out in 1966 and is one of the biggest TV/film franchises to this day. Star wars as well have created multiple films starting in 1977 and have continued making them into 2019.

Vesna, Victoria, dir. “Space Part 3”. 2012. Youtube. 24 May 2016. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xCvFdfjj404>

Vesna, Victoria, dir. “Space Part 1”. 2012. Youtube. 24 May 2016. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2O5C0Iv6ROo#>

Unknown. "Space Research | Animal Use in Research." Space Research | Animal Use in Research. Web. 25 May 2016. <http://www.neavs.org/research/space>. 

"Hubble Essentials." HubbleSite. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 July 2016.

"Space Disasters and Close Calls in Human Spaceflight." Space Safety Magazine. N.p., 2014. Web. 19 July 2016.

"Robotic Exploration Rover." NASA. NASA, 2014. Web. 24 July 2016.

Uconlineprogram. "Space Pt4." YouTube. YouTube, 30 May 2012. Web. 24 July 2016.

WEEK 8: Nano-art

WEEK 8: Nano-art 

In the lecture material this week we discussed nanoparticles and nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is part of everyday lives but very few people know about it. The reason for this is because of its microscopic behavior. If people can’t see something then they don't pay much attention to it. Nanotechnology can be found in sweat-wicking socks, high SPF sunscreen, cell phones, scratch-resistant sunglasses, airplanes and wrinkle-free shirts.

 Nanotechnology is a branch of technology that deals with dimensions and tolerances of less than 100 nanometers, especially the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. A nanoparticle is very small and behaves like a whole unit when it comes to its transport and properties. One nanometer is 10 to the negative 9th meters. This makes it 8 times smaller than a water molecule and completely invisible to the human eye. Nanotechnology tries to create nanostructures that mimic naturally occurring ones to create useful functions (self-cleaning leaves using hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, self-assembly of DNA). Technology like the Scanning Tunneling Microscope, created in 1981 by Heinrich Rohrer and Gerd Binnig allows scientists to map out the topography of nanoparticles. This allows scientists to further understand their composition.


Something I found really interesting was when Professor Vesna states that the quiz properties of the nanoparticles actually have the ability to turn opaque objects transparent. She also states that they can make stable particles combustible as well as turn insulators into conductors. As well as products in our everyday lives nanotechnology can also be found in medical areas as well. This can be seen through the development of new cancer therapies that will deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells. Nanotechnology is leading to innovations in many different fields including artistic expression. Nanoart utilizes scanning tunneling microscopes to make nanolandscapes. These are able to be photographed and blown up to be viewed by a larger audience.

Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May. 2012. <http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm>

Miller, Jonah. "Unreal Truths: Matter Waves and the Bohr Model of the Atom." The Physics Mill. The Physics Mill, 24 Apr. 2012. Web. 20 May. 2016. <http://www.thephysicsmill.com/2012/12/24/unreal-truths-the-bohr-model-of-the-atom/>. 

"Paul Weiss (nanoscientist)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 May 2016. Web. 22 May 2016. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Weiss_(nanoscientist)>.

Uconlineprogram. "5 Bioart Pt1 1280x720." YouTube. YouTube, 18 Sept. 2013. Web. 20 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg>

Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim Pt4." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 19 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHCuZetAIhk>.

Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim Pt6." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 19 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKlViSKkPd0>

WEEK 7: Neurosci + Art

WEEK 7:  Neurosci + Art
While neuroscience and art seem to be quite opposite they interact in many ways. Noah Hutton describes how art and neuroscience interact when the brain perceives art, how the brain is interpreted by the art, and how art can imitate cognitive processes. The topic we discussed that I found most interesting was how psychedelic drugs can alter our perception through our nervous system, and how that can be interpreted into art and media. 













In one of this weeks lecture videos, it talks about the state in between consciousness and unconsciousness. It says how psychedelic drugs, like LSD and Ayahuasca, are used to amplify this condition of the in-between. Hallucinogenic drugs intensify the dreamlike state in our subconscious. It creates vibrant images which the user can interpret in many different ways. Most people might use these drugs for a recreational reason but they can also be used for spiritual, religious, or a cultural significance. For example, Noah Hutton talks about “psychedelic art” and how it is a subculture of art that is created under the use of drugs. 

Psychedelic experiences are a clear interaction between art and neuroscience. As mention in the lecture video, neurotransmitters are more often than not associated with human emotion. Serotonin is connected to depression while endorphins are connected to happiness. This should show that our neurological functions and our emotions are completely normal. However, when looking at the many different sciences we rarely talk about emotion and feelings in experiments, claiming that love and sadness do not lie within the boundaries of scientific explanation. Although the reactions occurring in our brain resulting in a psychedelic experience can physically be explained they are often perceived to be much more. 

Hutton, Noah. “Art and Neuroscience: A State of the Union.” Art and Neuroscience: A State of the Union. N.p., 9 Sept. 2012. Web. 14 May 2016. <http://thebeautifulbrain.com/2012/09/art-and-neuroscience-state-of-the-union/>.

Huang, Mengfei. "The Neuroscience of Art." Stanford Journal of Neuroscience 2.1 (Fall 2009): 24-26. Stanford.edu. Web. 14 May 2016. <http://web.stanford.edu/group/co-sign/Huang.pdf>.

 Riotta, Chris. "What Is Ayahuasca? The Truth About Peruvian Drug From 'Chelsea Does' Drugs Episode." News Mic. 25 Jan. 2016. Web. 14 May 2016. <http://mic.com/articles/133410/what-is-ayahuasca-the-truth-about-peruvian-drug-from-chelsea-does-drugs-episode#.CjF6ujjq1>.

 

Sillanoff, Megan. "Greetings from Texas: Things I Learned from "Chelsea Does"" Greetings from Texas: Things I Learned from "Chelsea Does" 25 Jan. 2016. Web. 14 May 2016.

Uconlineprogram. "Neuroscience-pt1.mov." YouTube. YouTube, 17 May 2012. Web. 13 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzXjNbKDkYI>.

EVENT 2: The Botanical Garden

EVENT 2: The Botanical Gardens 

For the second event, I went to the Botanical gardens on UCLA’s campus for Bird Day LA. This is a somewhat hidden area on campus and if you didn't know it was there then you could go all four years without seeing it. I have always wanted to go and see the gardens especially because my mom and grandfather were very interested in plants. While going to the Gardens I had a faint idea what to expect, I have been to a few botanical gardens before but I had no idea that there would be so many plants from all over the world in this one area. 












This activity was a self-guided tour throughout the garden. I received a set of headphones that guided me around the garden teaching me about all of the different birds and plants from places like the Mediterranean, Africa, Australia, and places in the US. I could hear the different types of birds through my headphones even when I couldn't spot them on the tour. 

My favorite part of the tour was looking at all of the plants. I got to see many different species and look at how their properties could be used. There was one specific tree that I liked called the Pinaceae. Its genus name is Pinus torreyana but is more commonly known as the Torrey Pine. I think I liked this tree the most because it reminds me of camping when I was younger. I loved to go camping, I have been to Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Redwoods and many other places. This tree reminded me of hiking and exploring the wilderness with my family. I also learned that this tree had medicinal purposes. I learned that it can help cure coughs, colds, cores, burns, and boils. I thought that was cool because even though I have been around these trees my whole life I never knew they could be used in a medicinal way. 

This is a really cool place to go and if you have time I would strongly recommend going. It is like a little escape from the busyness of life. 

“Game Music in the Garden: Outdoor Concert with UCLA's Game Music Ensemble.” Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, UCLA, www.botgard.ucla.edu/.

“Garden Sections.” Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden, UCLA, www.botgard.ucla.edu/gardensections/.

“Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Mar. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_E._Mathias_Botanical_Garden.

“The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden at the UCLA Campus.” Babyccino Kids: Daily Tips, Children's Products, Craft Ideas, Recipes & More, 29 Oct. 2018, babyccinokids.com/blog/2018/10/29/the-mildred-e-mathias-botanical-garden-at-the-ucla-campus/.

“The Quad: A Guide to the Wonderfully Varied Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden.” Daily Bruin, UCLA, dailybruin.com/2019/01/17/the-quad-a-guide-to-the-wonderfully-varied-mildred-e-mathias-botanical-garden/.

MIDTERM: Solar Cars

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/14mG-QI_SGDc5vfpD3vXFmlKKuZnpowvTVBF2rzpp14U/edit?ouid=105398123347903757057&usp=slides_home&ths=true

WEEK 6: Bio-Art

WEEK 6: Bio-Art 


The lecture and context of this week go over the controversial topic of bio-art. It can be considered unethical in the way that scientists have the role of God in a sense, producing lifeforms that do not naturally occur in our world. The subtopic that I found most interesting was the fluorescent bunnies, an albino bunny that had genes from a fluorescent jellyfish inserted.




 I found Eduardo Kac’s “Alba” to be fascinating in the way that the genes can be manipulated. Some people would say that this is animal cruelty, however, I only partially agree to this statement. I believe that altering animal's genes without hurting the animal is okay but if it were to have negative consequences on the animal then it should not be allowed. When a genetic modification is used in a scientific environment it should be used to test life-saving medicine. 


Questions and the ethics of projects are brought up when it comes to human creativity of art and science. The understanding of biology and genetics have allowed scientists to manipulate life forms, but we have to ask how far we can take it. When physical barriers are reached the moral limits of the experiments need to be discussed. In many bio-art creations, the functionality of the project is lost along the way. There are many “artworks” that do not have a functional purpose, other than a need to show awareness but if the artwork becomes harmful to the animal it requires an ethical debate.

 Froelich, Amanda. "Cosmetic Testing Is Now BANNED In New Zealand!" True Activist. True Activist, 08 Apr. 2015. Web. 08 May 2016. <http://www.trueactivist.com/cosmetic-testing-is-now-banned-in-new-zealand/>. 

Kac, Eduardo. “Natural History of the Enigma.” Ekac. 2009. Web. 08 May 2016 <http://www.ekac.org/nat.hist.enig.html>

 News Desk. "Lab Rats 'acquire Sixth Sense'" Pakistan Today. Pakistan Today, 19 Feb. 2013. Web. 08 May 2016. <http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/02/19/entertainment/lab-rats-acquire-sixth-sense/>. 

Onion, Amanda. "Artist's Glowing, Live Rabbit Creation Causes Fuss." ABC News. ABC News Network, 19 Sept. 2016. Web. 06 May 2016. <http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=119939&page=1>

 Venter, Craig J. "Transgenic Bunny by Eduardo Kac." Transgenic Bunny by Eduardo Kac. Web. 06 May 2016. <http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/03_02/bunny_art.shtml>. 

Uconlineprogram. "5 Bioart Pt1 1280x720." YouTube. YouTube, 18 Sept. 2013. Web. 08 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg>.

Uconlineprogram. "5 BioArt Pt4." YouTube. YouTube, 17 May 2012. Web. 08 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&v=2qSc72u9KhI>.