This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for February 18–February 24, 2023

Astronomers discovered visible auroras around Jupiter's largest moons. The bands of glowing light can sometimes be seen in the sky above Earth, but in many parts of the solar system the wavelengths of auroras make them invisible. This is the first time scientists have reported that a theoretical visitor to Ganymede, Callisto, Io, or Europa would be able to watch the luminous, colorful waves in the night sky. The root of aurora means "to shine."

In a surprise trip to Kyiv, President Biden affirmed the United States' "unwavering commitment" to supporting Ukraine. The visit came nearly a year after Russia's invasion, and it was the first time a U.S. president has traveled to the capital of a country at war without the security of a major American military presence. Biden's dramatic, secretive visit was meant to emphasize the pledge of assurance that the U.S. will continue to back Ukraine.

Gold diadems were among 77 looted antiquities that were returned to Cambodia this week. The jewel-encrusted crowns were part of a horde of relics stolen from ancient burial grounds over several decades and purchased by an art dealer who has since been indicted for trafficking. A Cambodian official called them "the crown jewels of the Angkor Empire." Diadem is from the Greek diadema, "headband worn by Persian kings," and its root, which means "to bind across."

Former president Jimmy Carter began home hospice care on February 18. Carter is 98 years old and has had several hospital stays recently. He was successfully treated for metastatic melanoma in 2015 and enjoyed good health until the past few months. Carter chose to suspend medical treatment and receive care that provides pain relief and comfort. His family, including his wife of 75 years, Rosalynn, will be with him at his home in Georgia during the last days of his life.

A new eruv in Brooklyn, New York has made it easier for observant Jews to carry things on the Sabbath. Those who strictly adhere to Talmudic law are forbidden from 39 kinds of work on the day of rest, which begins at sunset on Friday. One prohibition is against carrying anything, except inside an official boundary, or eruv, which provides an exception to the rule. An eruv now extends through most of Brooklyn, allowing Orthodox Jews to carry food to relatives and kids to synagogue.

Starbucks recalled more than 300,000 bottles of Frappuccino after broken glass was found in some of them. PepsiCo, which distributes the chilled drinks, requested that all vanilla Frappuccinos be removed from store coolers and asked customers to return any bottles they have purchased. Recall originally meant "bring back by calling," the way you call your dog and she returns to your side.

The Biden EPA reinstated mercury limits that had been weakened during the Trump presidency. The 2012 regulation restricted mercury emissions from coal plants; it was not enforced by the previous administration, which determined it was too costly to the coal industry. Restoring the limits paves the way for even stricter regulations in the future.

At an art fair in Miami, a collector accidentally knocked over and destroyed a porcelain sculpture by the artist Jeff Koons. The 16-inch artwork, which resembled a birthday party balloon animal, was valued at $42,000. It shattered into shards after crashing to the floor of the Bel-Air Fine Art booth at Art Wynwood. The Latin root of sculpture, originally defined as "a work of carved art," means "to carve or engrave."

A recent study provides hope that electrical stimulation of the spinal cord could eventually help people who have been disabled by strokes to regain use of their hands. Researchers tested the technique on two people who had reduced mobility in their arms, sending electrical pulses through electrodes attached to their spines. Both subjects found they were able to perform previously impossible tasks, like tying their shoes. Stimulation is from a Latin root which means "spur."

Archaeologists in Iraq uncovered the remains of a 5,000-year-old Sumerian tavern. The uncovered foundations of the ancient eating and drinking establishment included a space for preparing food and an outdoor seating area. A clay stove and storage jars were found in the kitchen area, as well as dishes used for serving customers, some of which still contained the remains of fish. The Latin root of tavern is taberna, "shop or inn."

A man who prosecutors accused of breaking into a U.K. industrial park to steal almost 200,000 chocolate Easter eggs has pleaded guilty to theft and criminal damage. Joby Pool admitted to stealing a semi truck and using it to pilfer almost $40,000 worth of Cadbury Creme Eggs. Pool surrendered to police officers who pulled him over on a highway and arrested him on suspicion of theft.

Weeks after a freight train carrying poisonous chemicals derailed in Ohio, residents are still experiencing negative health effects. The accident sent noxious plumes of smoke into the air. Crews also released toxic vinyl chloride from the train and burned it, to prevent an explosion. The EPA will fine the train's owners $70,000 per day until the site is cleaned up. Toxic is from the Late Latin toxicus, "poisoned," and a Greek root meaning "poison used on arrows."