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A bee flying near a Bluebell
Elmfield biodiversity hotspot (Credit: Alexander Dunnett, Landscape Operative)

New study revealing bees' secret to super-efficient learning could revolutionise AI and robotics

A new discovery of how bees use their flight movements to facilitate remarkably accurate learning & recognition of complex visual patterns could mark a major change in how next-generation AI is developed, according to a University of Sheffield study.
Nerve signals

Sheffield scientist awarded prestigious prize for groundbreaking MND research

Dr Johnathan Cooper-Knock from the University of Sheffield is one of eight outstanding scientists nationwide to receive the 2025 Lister Award in recognition of his pioneering MND research.
Professor Dame Pamela Shaw
Professor Dame Pamela Shaw

World-renowned MND researcher and clinician says making research easier to understand, and showing why it matters, is vital

One of the world’s leading scientists on motor neurone disease (MND) and other neurological diseases says making complex research more accessible and understandable is vital to show progress is being made at developing treatments for the conditions.
DNA strand

FDA approves trial to advance pioneering treatment for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)

The US Food and Drug Administation (FDA) has approved BlackfinBio Limited’s Phase 1/2 clinical trial for its novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy targeting Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) Type 47 (SPG47).
Illustration showing bee and drone technology

Revolutionising autonomous technology with the brain of a bee

Nature will always find the simplest way to do something and often we can take inspiration from it. This is the case for autonomous technology, where bees are providing a solution to the problems it faces.

Graphic of human brain

New breakthrough could help us understand how rare childhood brain disorders develop

The discovery by academics from the Neuroscience Institute and Bateson Centre has revealed that defective immune cells in the brain called microglia contribute to the development of leukodystrophies.
Dr Heather Mortiboys leading a team of Parkinson's researchers in a lab

Precision medicine for Parkinson's disease

By gaining a better understanding of Parkinson's disease, we are working towards potentially life-changing treatments, which could slow down the progression of the disease.
Illustration of person's head and brain

Brain Awareness Week - Brain Research in the Neuroscience Institute

This week (16-20 March) is Brain Awareness Week - a global campaign to foster enthusiasm and support for brain science! Researchers in the Neuroscience Institute are at the forefront of research in this area.
Genome sequencing

Whole genomes of coronavirus from UK patients sequenced by Sheffield scientists

Scientists at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience have helped sequence the first two genomes of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at the University of Sheffield, with samples collected from patients treated in the UK.