David Warsh has an interesting new column out at Economic Principals.  In it he discusses the growing role of 'Market Design' a relatively new field in economics that focuses on auctions, the underlying structures of markets, and more.  The champion of this new field is Al Roth of Harvard, from whose blog, Market Design, I got the tip about the article.  Take a look at Warsh's summary to read a review of some of the latest ideas in market design and auction theory.