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University of Surrey


Boosting indoor light could help support healthy ageing in older adults in urban areas

A new study from the University of Surrey found that bright light therapy lamps can improve sleep, activity levels, and circadian rhythms in older adults with diminished natural light exposure. Higher baseline natural light exposure was associated with better sleep quality, daytime activity levels, and reduced rest-activity fragmentation.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·DateSep 2, 2026

AI tool could help heart attack survivors receive tailored care, say experts

Researchers used an AI tool to analyze health records of 12,701 UK Biobank participants who had experienced a heart attack. The study found three distinct health paths, with 63% developing cardiometabolic conditions and 23% suffering a decline in lung function. The AI tool predicted the health trajectory and identified high-risk groups...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateAug 20, 2026

First-of-its-kind computer model of bacterial biofilms could support antibiotic resistance research

A new 3D computer model developed by the University of Surrey has shown how Pseudomonas aeruginosa grows and spreads its protective layer under constant fluid flow. The model's accuracy was validated through laboratory experiments, demonstrating potential for faster and smarter ways to understand bacterial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateJul 14, 2026

Researchers identify genetic differences affecting toddler activity levels and discover they are also associated with ADHD

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour has identified genetic differences affecting toddler activity levels, which also overlap with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The research found that 10% of the variation in toddler activity levels can be explained by common genetic differences discovered by the researchers.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 1, 2026

Why hotel crisis plans collapse when panic sets in, according to hospitality leaders

Researchers found that successful crisis leadership depends on preparation before a crisis, decisive action during disruption, and reflective learning afterwards to improve future resilience. The study identified eight key leadership skills, including emotional regulation, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

Scientists uncover DNA’s hidden defence against UV radiation

Researchers discovered that DNA uses multiple ultrafast relaxation pathways involving moving electrons and protons to dissipate energy within femtoseconds, making it remarkably photostable. This complex network of competing processes enhances DNA's ability to safely drain away harmful UV energy before damage can spread.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 26, 2026

Brexit did not just shake Britain - it sent financial shockwaves across Europe

New research from the University of Surrey found that Brexit-related events significantly increased volatility spillovers between European markets. The analysis shows that large financial markets tend to transmit volatility to smaller ones, with France emerging as the most persistent transmitter of volatility across the EU.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Finance & Economics·DateMay 7, 2026

Why surgery still looks like an ‘old boys’ club and what actually fixes it

A new study from the University of Surrey found that surgeons from underrepresented groups are more likely to leave training and less likely to be promoted in environments dominated by White men. The study suggests that formal rules and systems are not enough to overcome informal networks and cultural factors that perpetuate inequality.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Management Studies·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2026

Profit alone is a poor measure of success, study shows companies can look efficient while harming the planet

A new study from the University of Surrey shows that firms celebrated for strong financial performance may actually be inefficient when environmental impact is included. The research developed a new way to measure sustainable corporate efficiency, combining traditional financial metrics with environmental data.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2026

New lithium-ion battery design could power longer-lasting electric vehicles and portable devices

Researchers developed a novel lithium-ion battery anode that stores more than 3500 milliampere-hours per gram, outperforming current graphite-based batteries. The new design, VISiCNT, features a vertically integrated silicon-carbon nanotube structure that maintains performance and stability over hundreds of charge cycles.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMar 26, 2026

Is tourism the most undervalued skills training ground in the economy? Hospitality work builds over 100 transferable skills, challenging the sector’s ‘low-skilled’ reputation

Research from the University of Surrey found that tourism and hospitality workers develop over 100 transferable skills, including empathy, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are in demand across various sectors of the economy and have been adopted by European policy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·DateMar 25, 2026

Sustainable breakthrough in low-cost materials for next-generation energy harvesting

Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a new way of designing thermoelectric materials using metal-polymer superlattices, which improves performance and reduces environmental impact. The breakthrough could lead to practical energy harvesting solutions for wearable technologies and industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·DateMar 23, 2026

Changing shower and toilet habits could help close England’s 5 billion litre water gap, Surrey-led research finds

A new report suggests that changing domestic shower and toilet habits could help close England's projected 5 billion litre daily water shortfall. The report identifies key behaviour change targets, including reporting or fixing in-home leaks, showering, and flushing toilets, and argues that effective behaviour change depends on underst...