This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for June 21–June 27, 2026

A British startup is using soil bacteria to generate electricity. Researchers at the company already knew that tiny microorganisms in ordinary garden soil release energy as they consume organic material. They developed a process to capture this energy and, using special fuel cells, produce electricity that can be used in homes or gardens. They plan to expand their operation and create large enough bacteria-powered generators to supply energy for commercial farms.

Given the notoriously high cost of World Cup tickets, the extravagant concession stand prices at venues around the U.S. came as no surprise. At Miami Stadium, fans could buy a five-pound, $40 empanada or $75 tater tots topped with caviar. In Los Angeles, a $22 Twinkie cheeseburger seemed reasonably priced in comparison to fried potatoes topped with expensive fish eggs. The word caviar derives from the Persian khaya, "egg."

A 58-year-old Australian man holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest-ever shout by an individual, measuring 122.4 decibels. Joseph McGrail-Bateup, the honorary town crier of Canberra, was named the world's loudest person after his deafening yell was recorded. When McGrail-Bateup hollered, "Now!" at the top of his lungs, the earsplitting sound level matched that of a jackhammer or siren, and it was more thunderous than the noise made by a snowmobile or lawnmower.

Playing for Argentina in a World Cup match against Algeria, Lionel Messi scored a hat trick. This celebrated achievement, when one player makes three goals in one game, is rare in soccer. Over the entire history of the FIFA World Cup, there have only been 60 hat tricks. In Argentina's next match, Messi also broke the all-time scoring record for a single World Cup, racking up a tournament total of 18 points. Hat trick was originally a cricket term, coined in the 1870s.

A Bangladeshi company is using a loophole in global patent law to sell a cystic fibrosis drug for much less than its U.S. price. A year's supply of Trikafta, which makes it easier for people with the disease to breathe, typically costs about $350,000. Because Bangladesh is considered a "least-developed" country, it's technically exempt from rules banning generic versions of the drug. Using this loophole, scientists there made a version that sells for only $6,000 to $12,000.

Oppressive heat broke all-time records in much of France this week. An early summer heat wave affected most of Europe, with France recording the hottest June 23 in history. The overwhelming heat is particularly dangerous in countries where air conditioners are rare; at least 40 people in France drowned after seeking relief from high temperatures in unsupervised rivers, lakes, and seas. The Latin root of oppressive is opprimere, "press down or crush."

Scientists hoping to learn more about how animals' brains control their behavior have turned their attention to a pellucid fish. The tiny Danionella cerebrum has transparent skin and a skull without a top, allowing researchers a window into its brain. A neuroscience center in Washington, D.C., has invested in 6,000 square feet of new tanks to hold the see-through fish. Pellucid is from a Latin root meaning "shine through."

Peter Murrell, the husband of Scotland's former leader Nicola Sturgeon, will serve five years in prison for pilfering money from the Scottish National Party. Murrell admitted to embezzling about $500,000 over 12 years from funds donated to the party by Scottish citizens. He reportedly spent the purloined cash on items including a robotic lawn mower, a silver wine coaster, expensive pens, and watches. The Old French source of pilfer is pelfre, "booty or spoils."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he would relinquish his role as leader of the U.K.'s governing Labour Party. Starmer's resignation means the country will install its seventh prime minister since 2016. Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester, is Starmer's likely successor; nominations officially begin on July 9. Starmer gave up his position after months of falling approval ratings. Relinquish derives from the Latin relinquere, "give up."

British archaeologists found what they believe are the remains of an ancient site for solstice festivals. They said excavations revealed two pits that once held poles aligned to point at the sun on the summer and winter solstices. Scientists speculate that the site was used twice a year, on the longest and shortest days, to celebrate the sunrise. Solstice is from Latin solstitium, "point at which the sun seems to stand still," and the root sol, "sun."