Breakthrough in science makes Top Ten UK discoveries of all time

Thursday 17 June 2010

The discovery was voted as the joint fifth most important according to a survey of more than 400 UK academics. They were asked to rate discoveries made by their peers for a poll to mark Universities Week taking place from 14-20 June.
Professor Adams, a Fellow of the Royal Society, said: “I am delighted that the work has been recognised in this way and honoured to be put alongside such luminaries in the scientific world in the list. That the acclaim has come from other academics and colleagues is also a source of pride.”
Most people will have contact with strained quantum-well lasers many times a day in everything from computers, optical phone lines, scanners and readers at supermarket check-outs. Semiconductor lasers receive electrical signals and turn them into pulses of light, called photons. In a quantum-well laser, there is an extremely thin layer of semiconducting crystals in which the laser light is generated. In his laboratory at the University of Surrey, Adams discovered that if the crystal lattice of this layer was grown in such a way to place it under strain the lattice would lose its symmetry. This distortion of the crystalline lattice produces photons much more efficiently - allowing far more information to be carried by the light energy.

The discovery of the double helix structure of DNA - the genetic code for all living things - by University of Cambridge scientists James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 was rated the most important in the poll. The top ten may come as a surprise to many, who perhaps are not aware of how influential UK researchers have been in developing innovations, theories and technologies that have changed our lives.

1) DNA - James Watson and Francis Crick unveiled the double helix structure of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in 1953.
2) Genetic fingerprinting – scientists from the University of Leicester developed a technique of identifying individual DNA make up in 1985.
3) Birth of the first working computer Two University Manchester scientists are credited with running the world’s first stored programme computer.
4) The contraceptive pill - Herchel Smith, a researcher at the University of Manchester, who in 1961 developed an inexpensive way of producing chemicals that can stop women ovulating during their monthly menstrual cycle.
5) Cancer and cell division Experts from Cancer Research UK were the first to identify the key genes that govern and regulate the cell cycle and cell division in 1987, further early stage research at Oxbridge, which subsequently paved the way for progress in treating cancer.
5) CDs, DVDs and the Internet The Internet, CDs and DVDs have all been made possible through a technology called strained quantum-well lasers that was first proposed by Professor Alf Adams at the University of Surrey.
5) The Gaia hypothesis While studying the atmosphere on the planet Mars, James Lovelock developed the ‘Gaia hypothesis’ – the idea of the earth as a self-regulating living organism.
8) Eradicating the Tsetse fly - Scientists from the University of Greenwich have been working to eradicate the Tsetse fly from Africa through the use of a novel artificial cow, which attracts the tsetse and kills them through insecticides. The discovery lead to a dramatic fall in the fatal sleeping sickness
9) Stem cells Martin Evans’ early research at Cambridge University led to his discovery of embryonic stem cells.
9) Microscopic footballs It was only in 1985 that the third well-defined form of pure carbon was discovered. Harry Kroto at Sussex University, and his US collaborators Robert Curl and Richard Smalley, revealed that carbon can exist as tiny spherical molecules, now known as fullerenes or buckyballs.

A total of 432 UK academics were polled throughout May. The list of the greatest discoveries by UK academics was compiled from the Universities UK publication, Eureka, and spans discoveries from the past 60 years.

Notes to Editors:

The inaugural Universities Week is taking place from 14-20 June 2010, and aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities.
Over 100 universities and linked organisations are involved in the week. Nationwide activity will include open days and debates for members of the public to attend. A full list of events taking place can be found at www.universitiesweek.org.uk

Media enquiries: Howard Wheeler, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: 01483 686141 or E-mail: h.wheeler@surrey.ac.uk

Notes to Editors:

The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s leading professional, scientific and technological universities with a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to all spheres of life – helping industry to maintain its competitive edge and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy. Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law. In addition to the campus on 150 hectares just outside Guildford, Surrey, the University also owns and runs the Surrey Research Park, which provides facilities for 140 companies employing 2,700 staff.

The Sunday Times names Surrey as ‘The University for Jobs' which underlines the university’s growing reputation for providing high quality, relevant degrees.

Surrey is a member of the 1994 Group of 19 leading research-intensive universities. The Group was established in 1994 to promote excellence in university research and teaching. Each member undertakes diverse and high-quality research, while ensuring excellent levels of teaching and student experience.

Media Enquiries

Howard Wheeler, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 686141, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk