Nowhere is this more true than in research that builds computer models to predict the spread of outbreaks, based on previous ones.

CNN: Scientists dig for lessons from past pandemics

Unlike many previous emerging-market crises, today's mess spread from the rich world, largely thanks to increasingly integrated capital markets.

ECONOMIST: The financial crisis

"There is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that some businesses had longer summer closures in August 2012, or that closures were held later than in previous years so that they affected August exclusively instead of being spread across July and August, " the ONS said.

BBC: UK trade deficit widens sharply in August