#OTD20 | September 28, 1928
Alexander Fleming and the Discovery of Penicillin: A Modern Medical Breakthrough
Returning to his laboratory after a vacation, Fleming notices that a culture of Staphylococcus bacteria, which he'd left on his workbench, has been contaminated by a mold, Penicillium notatum. More intriguingly, the bacteria surrounding the mold have been killed.
This serendipitous discovery leads Fleming to isolate the antibacterial agent in the mold, which he aptly names penicillin. His subsequent research reveals its remarkable capability to combat a vast array of bacterial infections without harming human cells.
Although the mass production of penicillin doesn't begin until the 1940s, its impact is profound. Transforming the medical world, it offers a potent weapon against many previously fatal diseases, earning its title as the "miracle drug."
Fleming's discovery paves the way for the development of other antibiotics, revolutionizing modern medicine and saving countless lives.
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#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
September 15, 1916: First Use of Tanks in Combat
#OTD20 — September 15, 1916: History is made as military tanks roll into combat for the first time during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive.
September 13, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
#OTD20 — September 10, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith is elected to the U.S. making her the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.
September 12, 1962: JFK Pledges “We Go to the Moon…”
#OTD20 — September 12, 1962: JFK delivers his “We Go to the Moon” address at Rice University, challenging the nation to land a man on the moon within the decade.
September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile
#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.
September 9, 1916. Woodrow Wilson Urges Patience on Women’s Suffrage
#OTD20 — September 9, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson speaks in Atlantic City, urging patience on the issue of women’s suffrage.
September 8, 1945. Korea Partitioned at 38th Parallel
#OTD20 — September 8, 1945: American troops arrive in Korea, initiating the division of the peninsula along the 38th parallel.
September 8, 1945: Huey “The Kingfish” Long Shot
#OTD20 — September 10, 1935: Senator Huey Long, a prominent figure during the Depression-era politics, is shot while at the Louisiana state capital in Baton Rouge.
September 7, 1940. Luftwaffe attacks. London Blitz Begins.
#OTD20 — September 7, 1940: The Blitz of London begins as the German Luftwaffe launches a devastating attack on the city. By day’s end, one thousand Londoners are dead.
Introducing #OTD20: Your Daily Dose of History
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