Zooming in on Nano Paintings (They're a BIG deal)

Want to make a nanoscale image of the Mona Lisa? Listener Kodiak does. All they have to do is learn a bit of quantum mechanics, some thermochemical nanolithography, and then tap the genius of ancient superbrain Leonardo da Vinci! EASY!! Scientists did it!! Even though you can't see it without a powerful microscope trust us that she is smirking even harder than usual.

While Trace is poking around like Ant Man, Julian roleplays as Frozen's Elsa to see if he can extinguish fire with nothing but an icy blast. Spoiler alert: you may be better off with a magical mystical freeze ray.

TRY YOUR HAND AT NANO ART

Thanks to Prof. Babak Anasori for coming on the show and explaining nanoscale art to us.

🔬 Visit Nanoartography.org to see past winners and submit your own creations!

🥇 They even have pre-made nano images that YOU can add your own spin on before submitting it to a collaboration category! Go try! This year's deadline is Sept 30, 2025.

QUESTIONS

Trace: "Could you hypothetically ‘paint’ a Mona Lisa by utilizing microscopic structures rather than actual paint?" from Kodiak

Julian: "Can you extinguish a fire just by making it really cold?" from Steven

Do you have an absurd question? Maybe it's a silly idea that popped into your head, a shower thought about the nature of reality, or a ridiculous musing about your favorite food? Whatever your question, we want to answer it—tell us!

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If we use your question we’ll give you a shout out in the episode.

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CREDITS

This episode of That's Absurd Please Elaborate was written by Trace Dominguez and Julian Huguet, edited by Kyle Sisk, and produced by all three of us with the support of our Patrons.

Episode key art courtesy David A Lindon: https://www.davidalindon.com

Theme Music by Epidemic Sound; learn more here: http://nebula.tv/epidemic

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