There’s also good news

Radio in these parts is littered with (Lou) Dobbsian cherrypickers of negative economic news. I thought I’d write a couple of columns about some of the more promising economic and technological advancements going on: starting with nanotechnology. 

I was fascinated to learn about the intern at the Colorado Nanotech Alliance, who sat down at the local Starbucks and identified 24 uses for nanotech in the life of an average person. From our stain-resistant shirts to our super light carbon nanotube tennis rackets to our nano-improved water-repellent windshields, it’s everywhere. 

We (and by “we” I mean folks a lot smarter than I) can now manipulate atoms on a micro level. This process can give a common product incredible strength or flexibility, among many other attributes.

“The United States is leading the world in nanotech, absolutely,” says (Debbie)Woodward. “Colorado understands how important this technology is. There are huge clusters of nanotech companies here in the state - we have about 100. But what is also really important is the excellent major university and labs we have. … Because of it, Colorado consistently leads in innovation potential.”

It’d be educational if local radio hosts interviewed people like Debbie Woodward, executive director of Colorado Nanotech Alliance, once in a while, rather than yet another conspiracy monger, yammering on about the North American Union and the end of the world as we know it. More than likely, good news just doesn’t produce the kinds of ratings that scary, anger-inducing news does. Oh well.