We’re starting to understand the mysterious surge of hepatitis in children

Hundreds of young children around the world have developed severe cases of hepatitis with no obvious cause, leaving doctors baffled. But two new studies reveal the potential culprits: a combination of genetic factors, lockdowns, and at least two viruses working together. Doctors first noticed a strange cluster of hepatitis cases in young children in Scotland…

Global shortage of fiber optic cable threatens digital growth

Enlarge (credit: Getty Images) A worldwide shortage of fiber optic cable has driven up prices and lengthened lead times, endangering companies’ ambitious plans to roll out state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure. Europe, India, and China are among the regions most affected by the crunch, with prices for fiber rising by up to 70 percent from record lows…