A Second Look (Math and econ edition)

This is the first post in what will become a regular feature on this blog: A look back at previous posts that are related to newly-discovered content.

Further support for prediction markets.

Trading on the Wisdom of Crowds (Wall Street Journal)
How accurate are prediction markets in U.S. elections? (Yahoo! Answers)

Earlier: How to predict the future

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What are your odds of dying from a given injury?

Odds of Dying (National Safety Council)

Earlier: Suicide hotlines

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Economists, on the question of organ markets as a solution to the organ donor shortage.

Human Organs for Sale, Legally, in ... Which Country? (Freakonomics Blog)
Financial Compensation for Organ Donors is Working (Marginal Revolution)

Earlier: Kidneys for sale?

Kidneys for sale?

Kidney Shortage Inspires A Radical Idea: Organ Sales (Wall Street Journal)
Flesh Trade (New York Times Magazine)

Two great articles about the lack of kidneys available for transplant in the U.S., and the potential solution of a regulated organ market. While I haven't completely made up my mind about organ markets, I am definitely a big fan of two other ideas: paired exchange (graphical explanation), and changing to an opt-out system of organ donation.

One of the main arguments against a market for organs is that the poor might feel unduly pressured into selling a kidney. Stephen J. Dubner argues the opposite, that the poor would actually benefit the most from a kidney market.