March 24

On March 24, 1882, German microbiologist Robert Koch presented his findings on the tuberculosis bacillus to the Berlin Physiological Society. By isolating Mycobacterium tuberculosis and demonstrating its presence in infected tissues, Koch fulfilled critical steps of his postulates. His breakthrough provided definitive proof of the germ theory for one of the deadliest diseases of the time. The discovery paved the way for improved diagnostic methods and public health measures. Koch was later awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this work, fundamentally changing the fight against tuberculosis worldwide.

On March 24, 1992, NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis embarked on mission STS-45, carrying the inaugural ATLAS-1 payload to study Earth's atmosphere and solar interactions. The crew of seven conducted experiments on ozone chemistry, ultraviolet radiation, and solar wind effects. Data collected during the nine-day mission provided valuable insights into atmospheric composition and climate processes. The ATLAS program helped refine models of Earth's radiation budget and contributed to global environmental research. STS-45 also tested shuttle systems and operational procedures, advancing the Space Shuttle program's scientific capabilities.

On March 24, 1993, astronomers Carolyn and Eugene Shoemaker along with David Levy identified Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9 at the Palomar Observatory in California. Unlike typical comets, it was observed as a string of fragments, indicating it had been torn apart by Jupiter's gravity. Subsequent calculations predicted the comet's fragments would collide with Jupiter in July 1994, offering a unique opportunity to study extraterrestrial impacts. The 1994 collision became the first direct observation of a comet striking a planet, captivating the global scientific community. The event provided unprecedented data on impact dynamics, planetary atmospheres, and celestial mechanics, advancing our understanding of solar system processes.

On March 24, 1998, Dr. Rüdiger Marmulla conducted the world’s first computer-assisted Bone Segment Navigation procedure at the University of Regensburg, Germany. This pioneering technique used real-time imaging and software guidance to accurately position bone segments during surgery. It was aimed at improving outcomes for complex craniofacial and maxillofacial reconstructions. By integrating computer planning with intraoperative navigation, surgeons achieved unprecedented precision. The success of the procedure paved the way for image-guided surgery in numerous medical specialties. Subsequent technological advances have made navigation systems a standard tool in modern operating rooms.