Queensland scientists say the honeybee could hold the secrets to treating diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, strokes and depression.
The world's largest indoor, climate-controlled insect flight-testing facility was today opened at the University of Queensland, to unlock the secrets of a bee's brain.
The two and a half million dollar unit housed at the Queensland Brain Institute, will allow scientists to study the behaviour, brain function and brain development of the insect.
Director Professor Perry Bartlett says bees' brains offer a good research model because it works the same way as a vertebrate brain.
It's hoped the facility will increase knowledge of how the human brain works, which in turn could lead to better ways to treat brain disorders like Parkinson's, strokes, Alzheimer's and depression.