22 July - World Brain Day

 

World Brain Day is an annual observance held on July 22nd to raise awareness about various brain-related health issues and to promote brain health globally. The day is organized and coordinated by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), an international organization representing neurology professionals worldwide.

The primary goal of World Brain Day is to educate the public about neurological disorders, their impact on individuals and society, and the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment. Each year, the WFN selects a specific theme related to brain health for World Brain Day, focusing on a particular neurological condition or issue.

Through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, World Brain Day aims to improve understanding, reduce the stigma associated with neurological disorders, and promote better access to healthcare for individuals affected by brain-related conditions.

Different organizations, medical institutions, and individuals around the world participate in various events and activities on World Brain Day, such as seminars, workshops, public lectures, and media campaigns, all geared towards raising awareness and promoting brain health.

By highlighting the importance of brain health and addressing neurological disorders, World Brain Day contributes to the broader goal of improving the overall well-being and quality of life for people living with neurological conditions and their families.

22 July - Zubir Said birth anniversary

 

Zubir Said (July 22, 1907 - November 16, 1987) was a prominent Indonesian composer and songwriter, best known for creating the national anthem of Singapore, "Majulah Singapura" (meaning "Onward Singapore" in Malay). He was born in Sumatra, Indonesia, during the Dutch colonial period.

Zubir Said had a passion for music from a young age and began his musical journey by playing traditional Indonesian instruments. He later learned to play the violin and gained recognition for his musical talent.

In 1958, the government of Singapore held a competition to select a new national anthem for the country, which was then part of the Federation of Malaysia. Zubir Said submitted his composition, "Majulah Singapura," and it was chosen as the winning entry. The anthem was officially adopted on December 3, 1959, upon Singapore's independence from Malaysia.

"Majulah Singapura" became an integral part of Singapore's national identity and is sung on various occasions, including National Day celebrations and official events. Zubir Said's composition has since become a symbol of unity and patriotism for the people of Singapore.

Aside from his contribution to Singapore's national anthem, Zubir Said composed numerous other songs and works, many of which were inspired by his Indonesian heritage. He was also involved in teaching and promoting music, leaving a significant impact on the development of music in Singapore and Indonesia.

Zubir Said passed away on November 16, 1987, but his musical legacy continues to be celebrated and cherished in both Singapore and Indonesia.

 

22 July - Ratcatcher's Day

 

Ratcatcher's Day is an unusual observance that has its roots in historical events. It is commemorated on July 22nd each year.

The origins of Ratcatcher's Day date back to the medieval era in Europe, particularly in England and France. During that time, rat infestations were a significant problem in cities and towns, as rats carried diseases and caused damage to food supplies and structures. Ratcatchers were hired to control the rat population and prevent the spread of diseases like the bubonic plague, which was transmitted by fleas carried by rats.

On Ratcatcher's Day, people would pay tribute to these ratcatchers for their essential and challenging work. They were often celebrated for their contribution to public health and hygiene.

Over time, Ratcatcher's Day has evolved into a more light-hearted and symbolic observance. While ratcatchers are no longer a common profession, the day is sometimes marked by acknowledging pest control professionals and the work they do in modern times. In some places, Ratcatcher's Day is also recognized by organizing events, activities, or educational programs related to rodents, pest control, and public health.

It's worth noting that Ratcatcher's Day is not a widely recognized or widely celebrated holiday, but it has historical significance and offers an interesting glimpse into the past when rat infestations were a significant concern in urban areas.

22 July - Sarawak Independence Day

 

 

Sarawak Day is celebrated on July 22 by the state of Sarawak in Malaysia. It marks the anniversary of the Raj of Sarawak establishing self-governance and statehood in 1963. Sarawak Day was announced as a public holiday in 2016 to celebrate and raise awareness about the state’s past. While there have been attempts to falsify Sarawak’s history for political gain, the state achieved independence from the British on July 22, 1963, while being a member of the Malaysian Federation. This day is a marker of sovereignty and the importance of self-governance to a long-oppressed people.

22 July - Chandrayaan-2 launched in 2019

 

Chandrayaan-2 was launched on July 22, 2019, aboard India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III).  Chandrayaan-2 is India's second lunar exploration mission, which was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission aimed to explore the Moon's south pole region and conduct scientific experiments to better understand lunar geology and the presence of water molecules on the lunar surface.

The Orbiter successfully entered lunar orbit on August 20, 2019. However, during the descent on September 6, 2019, the Vikram Lander lost communication with ISRO's ground control and crash-landed on the lunar surface. Despite the Lander's unsuccessful landing, the Orbiter continues to operate and provide valuable data and images from its orbit around the Moon.

Chandrayaan-2 represents a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts and demonstrates the country's growing capabilities in space science and technology. The mission has contributed valuable scientific data to our understanding of the Moon and has paved the way for future lunar exploration endeavors.

 

22 July - Selman Abraham Waksman birth anniversary

 

Selman Abraham Waksman (July 22, 1888 – August 16, 1973) was a Ukrainian-born American biochemist and microbiologist. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of antibiotics, particularly for the discovery of streptomycin, which revolutionized the treatment of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

Key contributions and achievements of Selman Waksman:

1. Discovery of Streptomycin: In the early 1940s, Waksman and his research team at Rutgers University isolated and identified streptomycin, the first effective antibiotic against tuberculosis. Streptomycin also proved effective against other bacterial infections, leading to a significant reduction in mortality rates from these diseases.

2. Streptomycin and Nobel Prize: For his discovery of streptomycin and its significance in the treatment of tuberculosis, Waksman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1952. He shared the prize money with his graduate student Albert Schatz, who had played a significant role in the discovery.

3. Term "Antibiotics": Waksman is credited with coining the term "antibiotics" to describe naturally occurring substances that can inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria.

4. Contributions to Soil Microbiology: Waksman also made significant contributions to the study of soil microbiology. He was a pioneer in investigating the role of microorganisms in the decomposition of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients in soil ecosystems.

5. Streptomyces and Antibiotic Production: Streptomyces, the genus of bacteria from which streptomycin was isolated, became the focus of further research for producing other antibiotics. This opened up new avenues for the development of a wide range of antibiotics that have since saved countless lives.

6. Founding the Waksman Institute: Selman Waksman played a crucial role in establishing the Waksman Institute of Microbiology at Rutgers University, which became a significant center for research in microbiology and molecular biology.

Waksman's work on antibiotics and his discovery of streptomycin had a profound impact on medicine and public health, transforming the treatment of bacterial infections. His pioneering research laid the foundation for the development of many other life-saving antibiotics, and he remains a revered figure in the history of medical science.

 

22 July - Gustav Ludwig Hertz birth anniversary

 

Gustav Ludwig Hertz (July 22, 1887 – October 30, 1975) was a German physicist who made significant contributions to the field of experimental physics, particularly in the area of atomic and quantum physics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1925, jointly with James Franck, for their work on the impact of electrons on atoms.

Gustav Ludwig Hertz's work and contributions significantly advanced the understanding of atomic and quantum physics, paving the way for further developments in the field. His pioneering experiments and discoveries continue to be foundational to modern physics and quantum mechanics.

22 July - Pi Approximation Day

 

Pi Approximation Day is an informal observance that falls on July 22nd (or 22/7 in the day/month date format). It is called "Pi Approximation Day" because the fraction 22/7 is a common approximation of the mathematical constant π (pi).

The number π is a mathematical constant representing the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. It is an irrational number, meaning it cannot be expressed as a finite fraction and its decimal representation goes on indefinitely without repeating. The value of π is approximately 3.14159, but it is commonly abbreviated to 3.14 for convenience.

Since the fraction 22/7 is close to the value of π, Pi Approximation Day is often used as an informal opportunity to celebrate mathematics and the significance of the number π. It is sometimes observed by math enthusiasts and educators who engage in activities related to pi, such as discussing its properties, calculating its digits, or enjoying pi-themed treats (like pies!).

While Pi Approximation Day is not an officially recognized holiday, it serves as a lighthearted reminder of the importance of mathematics in our daily lives and its prevalence in various fields of science, engineering, and technology.

 

21 July - Vostok recorded a temperature of minus 89.2 degrees Celsius in 1983

 

On July 21, 1983, Vostok recorded a temperature of minus 89.2 degrees Celsius (minus 128.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes it the coldest temperature ever observed on the planet.

Vostok Station is a Russian research station located near the center of East Antarctica. The station is known for its extreme cold temperatures due to its high elevation, clear skies, and isolated location. The weather conditions at Vostok are harsh, with bitterly cold winters and limited sunlight during the polar night.

The temperature recorded at Vostok represents one of the most extreme climatic conditions on Earth and highlights the challenges faced by researchers and scientists working in Antarctica's remote and unforgiving environment.

21 July - Aswan High Dam inaugurated in Egypt

 

The Aswan High Dam in Egypt was completed and officially inaugurated on July 21, 1970.

The Aswan High Dam is a major engineering project located in Egypt, spanning the Nile River at the city of Aswan. It is one of the world's largest dams and plays a crucial role in Egypt's economy and agriculture.

Construction of the dam began in 1960 and was completed in 1970. Its main purposes were flood control, water storage, and the generation of hydroelectric power. The dam was built to replace the older Aswan Low Dam, which had limited water storage capacity and couldn't provide sufficient control over the Nile's annual flood.

While the Aswan High Dam has brought numerous benefits to Egypt, it has also resulted in some challenges. The creation of Lake Nasser led to the displacement of many people and submerged several archaeological sites. Additionally, the dam traps sediment, which previously fertilized farmlands downstream, leading to decreased fertility in some areas.

Overall, the Aswan High Dam remains a significant engineering achievement and a critical component of Egypt's infrastructure, supporting its agriculture, water resources, and power generation.