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Find out about the latest Biosciences news from the University of Sheffield.
Bees

Busy bees: Male bumblebees prove more active and adaptable than females

Male bumblebees are more active and behaviourally flexible than female bees, according to new research that uses a series of specially designed tasks to test how the insects explore unfamiliar environments, recognise colours and learn to earn rewards
Fruit flies on fruit

Tiny insect brain discovery offers a blueprint for faster and more efficient AI and robots

The secret behind insects’ lightning fast reactions could offer a blueprint for more energy efficient robots and self-driving cars, according to a new study challenging our understanding of how brains process information.
A mosaic ivory CRISPR knockout in the neotropical butterfly Mechanitis messenoides.

Evolution has reused the same genes for 120 million years, study shows

Scientists have shown that evolution has been using the same genetic ‘cheat sheet’ for over 120 million years, suggesting that life on earth may be more predictable than first imagined.
Enhanced weathering test fields of soybean at the Energy Farm, University of Illinois, Urbana- Champaign

New digital framework to help farmers unlock gigaton-scale atmospheric carbon dioxide removal

Scientists are launching an international project to scale a pioneering digital carbon-tracking system for Enhanced Weathering. Helping address the urgent need to remove billions of tons of carbon from the atmosphere.
A fruit fly on a leaf

Silencing stress signals could pave the way to a longer life, study reveals

Silencing a major cellular stress signal could be the key to a longer life, according to new University of Sheffield research.