Born Shiho Miyano within the secretive Black Organization, her parents Atsushi and Elena Miyano were scientists developing the "Silver Bullet" project before dying in an alleged accident during her childhood. While her older sister Akemi lived relatively normally, Shiho's recognized intellect led to early education in the United States. Returning to Japan at 13, she became a scientist for the organization under the codename "Sherry." By age 18, Shiho created APTX 4869, an experimental drug intended for undisclosed research. Testing revealed a unique regression effect in one lab mouse, which she concealed. The organization deployed the drug for untraceable assassinations, including on Shinichi Kudo. Investigating Shinichi's disappearance, Shiho noted missing childhood clothes and deduced his transformation, subsequently falsifying his death record to shield him. Akemi's execution by the organization triggered Shiho's rebellion, halting her research. Imprisoned and condemned, she ingested APTX 4869 to escape, regressing to a child's form. Fleeing via a garbage chute, she collapsed near Shinichi's home and was discovered by Professor Hiroshi Agasa. Though Agasa knew her parents, he was unaware of their children or organizational ties; he offered her sanctuary. Adopting the alias Ai Haibara, she enrolled at Teitan Elementary alongside Shinichi, now Conan Edogawa. After joining the Detective Boys, she disclosed her true identity and role in creating APTX 4869 to Conan. Their initial distrust matured into a partnership. With most research destroyed by the organization, she works to develop an antidote using fragmented data. Her personality blends high intelligence with detachment and sarcasm. Early cynicism and self-imposed isolation, driven by fears of endangering others, gradually softened through bonds formed with the Detective Boys, Agasa, and Ran Mouri. She remains acutely vigilant against the Black Organization, particularly fearing Gin and Vermouth. Her perceptiveness helps anticipate others' emotions, often aiding Conan in preserving his secret. Key events include Vermouth uncovering her identity, resolved by Conan's negotiation of a temporary ceasefire. Later, Bourbon's investigation exposed her location, prompting an assassination attempt aboard the Mystery Train. Conan and allies staged her death via explosion, convincing most organization members of her demise; only Vermouth deduced her survival and withheld this knowledge. Outside core cases, she displays interests in luxury brands like Prada and Fusae, often requesting accessories during investigations. Her preference for peanut butter and blueberry jelly sandwiches stems from her U.S. upbringing. She admires soccer player Ryusuke Higo, relating to his experience of betrayal by a trusted group—Higo by Noir Tokyo, Haibara by the Black Organization. Spin-offs and OVAs feature her in Detective Boys cases, such as tailing Kogoro Mouri for a school report and aiding in Agasa's rescue. The OVA "A Secret Order from London" explores her culinary preferences, while "The Stranger in 10 Years" depicts a hypothetical future where she ages naturally alongside friends. Compilation films like "The Story of Ai Haibara ~Black Iron Mystery Train~" recontextualize her arc with new narration and reanimated scenes, highlighting her relationship with Conan and the organization's pursuit. Official publications catalog her appearances, fashion, scientific contributions, and evolution. Her familial connections extend to the Akai family: aunt Mary Sera and cousins Shuichi Akai, Masumi Sera, and Shukichi Haneda. These ties, revealed gradually, add layers to her backstory and motivations.