This Day in History: April 20

1862: First pasteurization test completed by Frenchmen Louis Pasteur and Claude Bernard

In 1862, French scientists Louis Pasteur and Claude Bernard completed the first pasteurization test, which involved heating wine to kill bacteria and prevent spoilage. This process revolutionized the food and beverage industry and helped prevent the spread of diseases.

1902: Marie and Pierre Curie isolate the radioactive compound radium chloride

In 1902, Marie and Pierre Curie made a groundbreaking discovery by isolating the radioactive compound radium chloride. Their research revolutionized the fields of physics and chemistry, and they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 for their pioneering work.

1951: Romanian surgeon Dan Gavriliu performs the first successful human organ transplant

In 1951, Romanian surgeon Dan Gavriliu successfully transplanted a section of the stomach to bypass the esophagus in a patient. This marked a major milestone in medical history and paved the way for further advancements in organ transplantation.

1978: Soviet air defense shoots down Korean Air Lines Flight 902

In 1978, Soviet air defense forces shot down Korean Air Lines Flight 902, which had strayed into Soviet airspace. The incident resulted in the deaths of two passengers and further heightened tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War era.

1980: Climax of Berber Spring in Algeria sees hundreds of Berber political activists arrested

In 1980, the Berber Spring, a period of civil unrest and protests in Algeria, reached its climax as hundreds of Berber political activists were arrested by the government. The protests were sparked by the Berber community's demands for greater recognition and autonomy.

1999: Columbine High School massacre claims the lives of 15 people

In 1999, two students opened fire on students and teachers at Columbine High School in Colorado, killing 15 people and injuring 24 others before committing suicide. The incident sparked a national debate on gun control and school safety measures.

2002: The Balfour Declaration recognizes Palestine as a British Mandate

The Balfour Declaration, issued by the British government in 1917, recognized Palestine as a British Mandate. The declaration laid the foundation for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine and has been a major source of controversy and conflict in the region for decades.

2010: Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion causes environmental disaster

In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig operated by British Petroleum (BP) exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 workers and causing a massive oil discharge into the ocean. This incident resulted in one of the worst environmental disasters in history and highlighted the risks associated with offshore drilling.