Science Nation: New Software Matches More Kidney Donations, Faster

Two people standing at a counter checking in with a receptionist. Caption: So they joined a live donor kidney exchange program.

Harvard economist Alvin Roth is a matchmaker but he’s not finding love – he’s finding kidneys. With support from the National Science Foundation, he and his team have developed a suite of computer programs that match living kidney donors with recipients. Why is an economist organizing kidney transplants? It turns out that an understanding of game theory and market dynamics is key to optimizing pairings. It's all about streamlining complicated matches using the science of the marketplace. Their matching software is the engine that has helped transplant centers in 30 states so far. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”

(Source: DCMP)

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  • Science Nation: New Software Matches More Kidney Donations, Faster

    Type:
    Video
    Format:
    Streaming
    Accommodations:
    English Audio Descriptions - Visual, English Captions - Auditory
    Languages:
    English
    License:
    OER
    Author:
    National Science Foundation
    Length:
    3 minutes