Jason Abaluck

Jason Abaluck, a health economist at Yale, dives into America's perplexing drug pricing crisis. He reveals that while the U.S. makes up just 4% of the global population, it accounts for nearly 50% of pharmaceutical spending. The discussion centers on why Americans pay exorbitantly for new drugs and the irony of cheaper prices for older ones. Abaluck also explores the delicate balance between innovation funding and affordability, proposing creative solutions to ensure life-saving treatments are accessible without stifling research.

Dan Engber, a science writer and editor at The Atlantic, joins Jason Abaluck, a Yale economist, to dissect media coverage of COVID-19's origins and the mask debate. They explore the controversial lab leak hypothesis versus natural origins, highlighting media shortcomings in public understanding. Engber critiques the inconsistent messaging from journalists, while Abaluck shares insights from his research in Bangladesh that challenges traditional views on mask effectiveness. The discussion emphasizes the need for critical thinking and accountability in science journalism.