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I fail to see the problem with that. If people prefer "bright minds" to work on cancer cures rather than on new casual games, why don't we make a $5 app to sponsor cancer research and see how well it sells?

My conclusion is, that most people simply aren't bothered with cancer research until they get it (apparently in these areas, about 50% of the population do at some point in their lives).

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> My conclusion is, that most people simply aren't bothered with cancer research until they get it

This is part of the problem, coupled with the "immediate reward versus distant punishment" bias. Another is the obvious tragedy of the commons here. Once the research is successful it also benefits those who chose not to contribute so fund it please while I spend my $5 on a tasty cookie.

I make no judgement as to whether it is good or bad. That's just how it is.

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