UPSC Prelims 2007 Q105: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
Robert Webster is known for his work associated with
which one of the following?
- (a) Cardiology
- (b) Influenza virus
- (c) HIV/AIDS
- (d) Alzheimer
Answer: (b) Influenza virus
Explanation
Robert Webster — influenza virologist
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Who | Robert G. Webster — New Zealand-born virologist |
| Worked at | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis (USA) |
| Known for | Showing that pandemic flu strains arise from bird (avian) flu viruses that mix with human strains |
| Why in news (2006-07) | H5N1 bird flu outbreaks — Webster was a leading voice on pandemic risk |
| Contribution | Helped develop modern flu vaccine methods |
He is often called the "father of bird flu research".
Answer: (b) Influenza virus.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Webster is not a cardiologist.
- (b) CORRECT. Robert Webster is famous for influenza / bird flu (H5N1) research.
- (c) Incorrect. HIV discovery is credited to Luc Montagnier, Françoise Barré-Sinoussi (Nobel 2008) and Robert Gallo.
- (d) Incorrect. Alzheimer's disease is named after Alois Alzheimer.
Key point
Robert Webster = influenza (bird flu H5N1) virologist at St. Jude; showed pandemic flu comes from avian viruses.
Remember
Robert Webster is known for influenza (bird flu) research.
Common mistakes
- Guessing HIV/AIDS because 'Robert' recalls Robert Gallo (HIV researcher).
- Not linking the question year (2007) to the H5N1 bird flu scare.
- Confusing scientists with similar first names across fields.
Exam tip
Two Roberts: Robert Webster = flu; Robert Gallo = HIV.
Sources
- Robert G. Webster et al. — "Evolution and Ecology of Influenza A Viruses", Microbiological Reviews, vol. 56 (1992)
- World Health Organization — Avian influenza: fact sheet