Answers 6th Dec 2010

Q1. Through the work of which Persian mathematican, known as Father of Algebra, was the Indian numeral system exposed to the West?

A: Al Khwarizmi. Wikipedia informs: "On the Calculation with Hindu Numerals written about 825, was principally responsible for spreading the Indian system of numeration throughout the Middle East and Europe " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_ibn_M%C5%ABs%C4%81_al-Khw%C4%81rizm%C4%AB#Contributions

Correct answers: @kirankarlmarx, @prashanthkpp, @Karmasura, @kishor_narayan,

Q2. What pigment is responsible for the dark colour of skin and hair?

A: Melanin.

Correct answers: @kirankarlmarx, @prashanthkpp, @Karmasura, @kishor_narayan, @sashikanthd

Q3. Indian-origin US researcher Shuvo Roy was in the news very recently. For what?

A: He created the world's first artificial kidney: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/US-based-Indian-creates-first-artificial-kidney/articleshow/7038619.cms | He works in the area of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for biomedical systems http://bts.ucsf.edu/roy/people.html

Correct answers: @kirankarlmarx, @kohlianil, @prashanthkpp, @kishor_narayan

Q4. Only one fixed wing aircraft in active service is capable of vertical take off and landing (VTOL). Which one?

A: The Sea Harrier. It is a naval strike fighter with vertical/short take off and landing capability (V/STOL). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Aerospace_Sea_Harrier | V/STOL allows fixed wing aircraft from short airstrips or from aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical/Short_Takeoff_and_Landing | The Indian Navy operates the Sea Harrier from the aircraft carrier INS Viraat. The F-35C also has VTOL but is still to enter active service.

Correct answers: @quietist, @kohlianil, @prashanthkpp, @Karmasura, @kishor_narayan, @sashikanthd

Q5. 'Golden Rice' is a transgenic variety of rice that contains which Vitamin in large quantities?

A: Vitamin A. It was developed to fight Vitamin A malnutrition in the developing world but met with significant resistance from environmentalists. It will be available for consumption only after 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_rice

Correct answers: @kirankarlmarx, @Ravitejadanda, @prashanthkpp, @Karmasura, @kishor_narayan

Scores

@prashanthkpp 50
@kishor_narayan 50
@Karmasura 40
@kirankarlmarx 40
@kohlianil 20
@sashikanthd 20
@dubash
@quietist 10
@Ravitejadanda 10