We argue that a systems-modelling approach should be used to tackle the mental-health challenge. Drawing together qualitative and quantitative evidence and data, models should capture changes triggered by the pandemic — such as education loss, job loss, domestic violence, social isolation, fear and uncertainty. Models should forecast demand for community mental-health services and acute care, including emergency-department presentations and psychiatric hospitalizations, as well as outcomes such as suicidal behavior.

We observe a widening of digital inequalities through a population-scale study of 55 billion everyday web search interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic across 25,150 US ZIP codes. We observe that ZIP codes with low socioeconomic status (SES) and high racial/ethnic diversity did not leverage health information and pandemic-relevant online resources (e.g., online learning, online food delivery) as much as regions with higher SES and lower levels of diversity. We also show increased shifts in online information access to financial or unemployment assistance for ZIP codes with low SES and high racial/ethnic diversity.

For decades, PCR has been a staple technique of the lab. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, thanks to its role in rapid-turnaround diagnostic tests, it has become a part of common vocabulary. But how does PCR work? And where else in healthcare is it used? PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. It is a laboratory technique that allows millions of copies of a small amount of DNA to be made quickly – a process known as DNA amplification. Useful in itself, it is also the foundation of many other techniques.