BACKUP ORIGINAL TWIW June 21–June 27, 2026

Scientists have developed a new blood test that can detect several types of cancer. The FDA is currently evaluating the test, which could become available by the end of this year. It would be the first that's able to ascertain whether markers for 50 different cancers are present, using just one vial of blood. Until now, standard screenings have required separate scans for five types of cancer. Ascertain is from the Old French acertener, "to certify."

A British startup is using soil bacteria to generate electricity. Researchers at the company 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 potato transformed by expensive fish eggs. The word caviar derives from the Persian khaya, "egg."

A week after a fire started in a Los Angeles cold storage warehouse, the conflagration was still burning. As smoke billowed from the 500-square-foot building, officials warned residents that surrounding air quality had reached dangerous levels. Firefighters battled the blaze from outside the warehouse because its enormous roof, compromised by the fire, made it too dangerous for them to enter. The Latin root of conflagration is flagrare, "to burn."

A crackdown on the scam industry in Cambodia ended many of the fraudulent operations that cost U.S. citizens billions of dollars each year. However, the severe measures left thousands of foreign workers, also victims of the scams, stranded in the country. Online scammers lured these victims by promising well-paid jobs, then held them as hostages. They were forced to work making phone calls, persuading their own victims to share bank information or invest in fraudulent schemes.

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 was more powerful than the noise made by a snowmobile or lawnmower.

For the first time ever, an experimental treatment healed a patient's third-degree burns, allowing her to avoid skin graft surgery. After a fire left 18-year-old Kaitlin Jeffrey's face and neck badly burned, doctors initially recommended a procedure in which skin is removed from another part of the body and surgically attached to the damaged area. Instead, Jeffrey opted for a new biological method that uses exosomes, tiny particles from skin cells, to quickly heal burns.

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, 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.

Canadian healthcare workers were livid after an email promising a paid vacation day turned out to be part of a security check, testing which employees clicked the link. Staff at Newfoundland and Labrador's health system have recently faced high turnover, long hours, and mandatory overtime. The message thanked them for this work and offered a "June holiday." When they learned there was no actual paid vacation, employees were furious at what they called "insensitivity" and a "cruel hoax."

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 they sell 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. 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 Washington, D.C. neuroscience center has invested in 6,000 square feet of new tanks for 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 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 solstice. Scientists speculate that the site was used twice a year, on the longest and shortest day, to celebrate the sunrise. Solstice is from Latin solstitium, "point at which the sun seems to stand still," and the root sol, "sun."