The problem is that brown dwarfs have been discovered orbiting other stars, and it is thought that planets can sometimes be ejected from their natal solar systems as a result of gravitational interactions, and may thus be found drifting in space.

ECONOMIST: Twinkle, twinkle, giant planet

Last year, Forbes.com studied these differences (See: " The Best Places to Die") and discovered that when it comes to end-of-life issues, geography can be destiny for the terminally ill.

FORBES: For Dying, Geography Can Be Destiny

What is needed is a market for the medicines that can already be produced, and the certainty that it will still exist if and when new drugs or vaccines are discovered.

ECONOMIST: Africa��s twin scourges