20 April - Bernard Katz death anniversary

 

Bernard Katz was a prominent German-born British biophysicist known for his pioneering work in neurophysiology. He was born on 26 March 1911, in Leipzig, Germany, and he passed away on  20 April 2003, in London, United Kingdom.

Katz made significant contributions to our understanding of how nerve cells communicate with each other and with muscles. He is best known for his research on the mechanism of synaptic transmission, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970, shared with Julius Axelrod and Ulf von Euler.

One of Katz's most important discoveries was the understanding of how neurotransmitters are released from nerve cells at synapses and how they influence the electrical activity of target cells. He proposed the concept of quantal release of neurotransmitters, suggesting that neurotransmitter release occurs in discrete packets or quanta, which was a groundbreaking insight into synaptic physiology.

Katz's work laid the foundation for our modern understanding of synaptic transmission and neurotransmission, and it has had a profound impact on the fields of neuroscience and pharmacology. His research paved the way for further discoveries and advancements in our understanding of how the nervous system functions.

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Bernard Katz received numerous other honors and awards throughout his career in recognition of his contributions to science and medicine. He is remembered as one of the leading figures in neurophysiology and synaptic transmission, whose work continues to inspire and influence scientists around the world.

20 April - Zu Chongzhi birth anniversary

 

Zu Chongzhi was a Chinese astronomer, mathematician, politician, inventor, and writer during the Liu Song and Southern Qi dynasties. He was most notable for calculating pi as between 3.1415926 and 3.1415927, a record in accuracy which would not be surpassed for over 800 years.  

On 20 April 2009, Google celebrated Zu Chongzhi’s Birthday with a doodle

20 April - Eduard Slavoljub Penkala birth anniversary

 

 Eduard Slavoljub Penkala — a Croatian engineer and inventor of Dutch-Polish descent — was born on 20 April 1871

He became renowned for further development of the mechanical pencil (1906) - then called an "automatic pencil" - and the first solid-ink fountain pen (1907).[4] On 24 January 1906 he registered the patent for an automatic pencil. Collaborating with an entrepreneur by the name of Edmund Moster, he started the Penkala-Moster Company and built a pen-and-pencil factory that was one of the biggest in the world at the time. As the business grew, a second factory was set up in Berlin. The company, now called TOZ Penkala, still exists today.

He also constructed the first Croatian aircraft to fly in the country, the Penkala 1910 Biplane, flown by Dragutin Novak, who was also the first Croatian pilot. He constructed and invented many other products and devices, and held a total of 80 patents.

Among his patented inventions were:
a thermophore
a hot water bottle - his first patented invention, the "Termofor"
a type of bluing detergent
a rail-car brake
an anode battery

20 April - Shakeel Badayuni death anniversary

 

Shakeel Badayuni (3 August 1916 – 20 April 1970), a great poet and lyricist. Lucknow, the city of Tehzeeb, has given many celebrities to the film world, one of which is lyricist Shakeel Badayuni. Encouraged by the unceasing success of his poetry, he left his government job in the supply department and moved to Mumbai from Delhi in 1946. Shakeel Badayuni was awarded the Filmfare Award three times in a row for his songs. He was given his first Filmfare Award for the song ‘Chaudhavi Ka Chand Ho Ya Aftab Ho…‘ from the film “Chadahvi Ka Chand” released in 1960. He died on 20 April 1970.

 

19 April - Satellite Aryabhata

 

Aryabhata was India's first satellite,named after the famous Indian astronomer.Aryabhata was launched on April 19, 1975, from the Kapustin Yar launch site in the Soviet Union (now Russia), using a Soviet Kosmos-3M launch vehicle. The satellite was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and marked India's entry into the realm of space exploration.

The satellite was primarily intended for conducting scientific experiments in X-ray astronomy and solar physics. It played a crucial role in enhancing India's capabilities in space research and laid the groundwork for subsequent satellite missions undertaken by ISRO.

While Aryabhata was India's first indigenously built satellite, it wasn't the first satellite to be launched by India. That honor goes to the satellite named "Rohini," which was launched aboard a Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) on July 18, 1980. However, Aryabhata remains a significant milestone in India's space program and is remembered for its contribution to the country's advancements in space technology.

19 April - Alice Salomon birth anniversary

 

Alice Salomon was a pioneering German social reformer, sociologist, and feminist who lived from 1872 to 1948. She is best known for her contributions to social work education and her advocacy for social justice and women's rights.

Salomon was born on 19 April 1872, in Berlin, Germany. She studied economics, history, and sociology at the University of Berlin, where she became involved in social reform movements. She was particularly interested in issues related to poverty, inequality, and women's rights.

In 1908, Alice Salomon founded the first school of social work in Germany, the Soziale Frauenschule (Social Women's School), in Berlin. The school played a pioneering role in professionalizing social work and providing education and training for social workers.

Salomon was also actively involved in advocating for social reform and women's rights. She was a member of various organizations and committees focused on issues such as labor rights, social welfare, and gender equality. She played a significant role in promoting legislation to improve working conditions and protect women and children in the labor force.

During the Nazi regime in Germany, Alice Salomon was persecuted as a Jew and forced to flee the country. She spent the latter part of her life in the United States, where she continued to advocate for social justice and women's rights until her death in New York City on 30 August 1948.

Alice Salomon's legacy as a social reformer and pioneer in social work education continues to be celebrated today. She is remembered as a visionary leader who dedicated her life to fighting for a more just and equitable society.

19 April - World Liver Day

 

 

World Liver Day is observed annually on April 19th to raise awareness about liver diseases and promote liver health. The liver is an essential organ that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including detoxification, metabolism, and the production of bile. However, liver diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer can affect the liver's ability to function correctly and lead to severe health problems.

The aim of World Liver Day is to promote liver health and educate people about the risk factors associated with liver diseases. It is a day to encourage individuals to take responsibility for their liver health by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding risky behaviors such as drug use.

Several organizations and healthcare providers around the world mark this day by organizing events such as health camps, seminars, and public lectures to increase awareness about liver diseases. The day serves as a platform to highlight the importance of regular liver screening tests, timely diagnosis, and treatment of liver diseases.

In conclusion, World Liver Day is an important initiative that helps raise awareness about liver diseases and promotes liver health. It reminds us that taking care of our liver is essential for maintaining good health and encourages individuals to adopt healthy habits to prevent liver diseases.

19 April - Charles Darwin death anniversary

 

Charles Darwin, passed away on 19 April 1882, was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. His proposition that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors is now widely accepted, and considered a foundational concept in science. In a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history, and he was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey.

19 April - Pierre Curie death anniversary

 

Pierre Curie was a French physicist who, along with his wife Marie Curie, made significant contributions to the field of radioactivity. He was born on 15 May 1859, in Paris, France, and tragically died in a traffic accident on 19 April 1906.

Pierre Curie's early work focused on magnetism and crystallography, but he became increasingly interested in the phenomenon of radioactivity after Henri Becquerel's discovery of uranium's ability to emit radiation. Working alongside his wife, Marie Curie, Pierre conducted extensive research on radioactive materials, including uranium and thorium.

Together, Pierre and Marie Curie discovered two new chemical elements: polonium and radium. Their groundbreaking research paved the way for significant advancements in physics and chemistry and laid the foundation for the field of nuclear physics.

In recognition of their contributions to science, Pierre Curie, along with Marie Curie and Henri Becquerel, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903. Their work on radioactivity revolutionized our understanding of the atom and its behavior and had far-reaching implications for medicine, industry, and energy production.

Despite his untimely death, Pierre Curie's legacy lives on as one of the pioneers of modern physics. He is remembered for his brilliant mind, dedication to scientific inquiry, and profound impact on the scientific community.

18 April - World Heritage Day

 

World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on April 18 to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage sites and monuments around the world. This day was established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and was later adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1983.

The main objective of World Heritage Day is to promote the cultural diversity and richness of the world, and to highlight the significance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. It also aims to encourage people to visit and appreciate cultural heritage sites, as well as to support efforts to protect and conserve these sites.

Every year, a theme is chosen for World Heritage Day to focus on a specific aspect of cultural heritage. For example, the theme for 2024 was “Discover and experience diversity“, which aimed to emphasize the importance of recognizing the diverse and complex histories of cultural heritage sites.

On this day, various events and activities are organized around the world to promote awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage. These events can include exhibitions, guided tours, seminars, workshops, and cultural performances.

In addition, UNESCO also uses this day to announce new additions to the World Heritage List, which recognizes cultural and natural sites of outstanding universal value. The World Heritage List currently includes 1,154 properties in 167 countries, ranging from ancient ruins and archaeological sites to natural wonders and cultural landscapes.

In conclusion, World Heritage Day serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage sites and monuments, and the need to protect and preserve them for future generations. It is a day to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the world and to appreciate the unique value of each cultural heritage site.