Elaina Hancock


Author Archive

Truck plowing snow. (Getty Images)

Saltier Waterways Creating Dangerous ‘Chemical Cocktails’

A new study found that salty, alkaline freshwater releases a variety of harmful substances that together have more devastating effects on drinking water and ecosystems than individual contaminants.

Lindsay Distefano, associate professor of kinesiology,shows children how to exercise on a playground at the Mansfield Community Center on Aug. 3, 2018. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

The Fight for Physical Literacy

Just as with reading literacy, a strong early foundation in physical literacy will have lifetime benefits, according to kinesiology professor Lindsay DiStefano.

Madeline Kollegger '18 (CAHNR) and Beth Lawrence collecting data on surface water salinity in a tidally restored marsh at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington, Connecticut, during an Advanced Wetland Ecology class. (Emily Couture '17 (CAHNR)/UConn Photo)

Connecticut’s Marshes: Past, Present, and Uncertain Future

As the world looks increasingly to technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, UConn researchers are seeking to understand the natural processes involved in wetlands' ability to store carbon.

An international team of researchers showed that fragmentation weakens the impact of some 'natural enemies' that help maintain diversity in a tropical system. The study was conducted in fragmented tropical forest in India, in an area that now holds many tea plantations. (Getty Images)

‘Cryptic’ Interactions Drive Biodiversity Decline At Edge of Forest Fragments

An international team of researchers showed that forest fragmentation weakens the impact of some 'natural enemies' that help maintain diversity in a tropical system.

Think tick, or risk being tricked by these 'blood-sucking vampires,' cautions pathobiologist Paulo Verardi, whose lab is working to develop vaccines for a number of emerging tick-borne diseases. (Yesenia Carrero/UConn Illustration)

Tick-or-Treat!

Think tick, or risk being tricked by these 'blood-sucking vampires,' cautions pathobiologist Paulo Verardi, whose lab is working to develop vaccines for a number of emerging tick-borne diseases.

During excavations at Hahgtanak-3, participants from five countries unearthed stone tools from deep layers at the site and sediment samples were collected for dating and environmental reconstructions. UConn's Daniel Adler is at top left. (Photos courtesy of Dan Adler)

Snapshot: Dan Adler in Armenia

Anthropology professor Daniel Adler co-directed excavations at an archaeological site in Armenia that documents the earliest human occupation of the area, and may be more than 1 million years old.

Richard Anyah, associate professor of natural resources and the environment. (Kevin Noonan/UConn Photo)

The Rains in Africa: How Global Climate Influences the Water Cycle

A new study found relationships between certain global climate indexes and the availability of water in Africa.

Sarah Knutie’s research takes her to the Galapagos Islands, where she studies the effects parasitic nest flies are having on Darwin’s finch populations. (Sarah Knutie/UConn Photo)

Snapshot: Sarah Knutie in the Galapagos Islands

The ecology and evolutionary biology professor is conducting research on how bird species in the Galapagos are responding to new parasites.

A service learning course enlists students to help the state's communities respond and adapt to climate change through the UConn Climate Corps. (Chet Arnold/UConn Photo)

Climate Corps Seeks to Make Impact in Connecticut’s Communities

A service learning course enlists students to help the state's communities respond and adapt to climate change through the UConn Climate Corps.

Juricán, from the Taino legend to explain hurricanes in the West Indies. (John Bailey/UConn Illustration)

The Impact of Hurricanes on the Ecosystem in Puerto Rico

Ecologist Michael Willig is examining the impact of Hurricane Maria on the snail population of Puerto Rico, a population that itself plays a critical role in the process of recovery from hurricanes.