The ancient Romans were pretty advanced for their time -- so advanced that they may even have been pioneers of what we now call nanotechnology.In fact, an ornately decorated Roman artifact, known as the Lycurgus cup, is inspiring researchers to explore practical applications of the ancient technology.
Created sometime in the Fourth Century, the goblet exhibits a color-changing property that makes its glass take on different hues, depending on the light source -- just watch the cup in the video above.
Scientists were long at a loss to explain the cup's color changes. Then in the 1990s they discovered tiny particles of silver and gold in the cup's glass. According to Smithsonian Magazine, "When hit with light, electrons belonging to the metal flecks vibrate in ways that alter the color depending on the observers position."
Now, a research team is attempting to build upon the unique technology and apply it in the medical field.Gang Logan Liu, an University of Illinois assistant professor who has studied the Lycurgus cup for several years, described it as an "icon for inspiration.""Were trying to build more sophisticated and higher-level structures from learning more from the Romans," Liu told The Huffington Post. "Creating the same shape as the Roman cup, we can see a similar process."
Since the team cannot experiment on the cup itself -- it is a precious artifact, after all -- they built replica color-changing cups on a much smaller scale by imprinting billions of microscopic wells on a plastic plate with the same nanoparticles.Liu and his team are seeking to create a sensor that could quickly diagnose a disease based on a specific biomarker. While medical tests typically have to be processed in a lab, Liu believes the nanotechnology could conceivably be used as a portable test kit of sorts -- similar to a home pregnancy test.
"Usually you have to send a sample to a dedicated lab," Liu told HuffPost. "Now we could make something you can hold in your hand, so any doctor can use them."The researchers unveiled plans for their sensor earlier this year.We deal with various stainless steel jewelry and stainless steel rings. Liu hopes to have a portable device ready for hospital laboratory or home medicine applications within six years.
AnaBelle Ramos, event publicist, said the quaint brick courtyards and fountains makes Hyde Park both a trendy and ideal setting for the juried art show that will take place from 10 a.m.This carbon fiber and stainless steel jewelry supplies works for both a fashion. to 5 p.m. at Hyde Park Village at Swann and Dakota avenues.
The Hyde Park Art Festivals make the arts accessible to a broad audience, said Ramos, adding 150 national artists will participate. There is a vast array of artistic media designed to appeal to a variety of tastes and budgets; there is something for everyone. Buyers are able to connect directly with the artist as they are all present for the duration of the show and they welcome the opportunity to discuss their art which makes for a much more meaningful purchase and investment.
Prices for the art on display ranges from $25 to $30,000. Ramos said the media on display includes paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, glass, wood, handmade jewelry, collage and mixed media.
Since October is breast cancer awareness month we are committed to raising awareness at all of these shows during this month, Ramos said. We believe it is a perfect platform in which to do so as thousands of people attend our festivals. We have lost several artists to this disease and dedicate our efforts to them and those that have survived. These artists continued to work and exhibit their art while they bravely battled breast cancer.
This event is a wonderful celebration of the arts, very much like an outdoor art gallery, perfect for art enthusiasts and collectors interested in new quality investments as well as shoppers looking for unique gifts, Alan said. It is also a great platform for us to help raise breast cancer awareness.
The featured artist, Susan Lane of Key Largo, created the original painting for the Art Festival giveaway prize. Her acrylic piece,This handsome link tungsten bracelet for men is constructed in maintenance-free tungsten. Red Palms in the Sunset is valued at $600. The piece will be on display at Lanes booth throughout the weekend where registration will also take place until 4 p.m. on Sunday when the winning ticket will be drawn. No purchase is necessary to participate in this giveaway.
apa Valley attracts as much attention for its architecture as its Cab Sav. Notable edifices range from a turreted medieval castle (Castello di Amorosa) to Moorish stronghold (Groth) to the re-imagined Persian palace here at Darioush.
With its travertine fa?ade and 18-foot columns surmounted by bulls, the design evokes Persepolis, the one-time capital of Persia (now Iran) dating to 522 BC. The architecture reflects the heritage of owner Darioush Khaledi, who was born in Iran's Shiraz region, which is also said to be birthplace of the Syrah/Shiraz grape.
Despite the grand scale, the tasting room has an intimate feel thanks to small seating areas. Bowls of roasted pistachio nuts are available in accordance with hospitable traditions of Persia. The boutique carries wine merchandise plus beautiful accessories and jewelry.
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