College of Agriculture, Health & Natural Resources

squash

Extension and Connecticut Dept. of Ag team up to ensure state’s growers FSMA compliant

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 percent of foodborne illness outbreaks between 1998 and 2008 were attributed to fresh produce. The Produce Safety Rule (PSR) was created as part of the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This rule established science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing and holding of fruits […]

Mary Carroll Root helps participants during a Powerful Aging Exercise class at the Avon Senior Center. (Al Ferreira for UConn Health Center)

Exercise Can Improve Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Nearly two dozen studies on the effect of exercise on people with Alzheimer's indicate that there is a cognitive benefit, says a new UConn analysis.

Preparedness is key to surviving unfortunate events

Outbreaks, and disasters and storms! Oh, my! Some hazards are unavoidable, but preparedness can mitigate the consequences of these emergencies. Several of CAHNR’s faculty and staff are working to be ready when local, state and national misfortunes strike. Monitoring for animal and zoonotic diseases “Prevention is a better way to deal with emergencies than waiting […]

Molecular geneticist seeks to improve industrial hemp cultivation

For decades, Gerry Berkowitz has done groundbreaking work, applying molecular genetics in seeking to understand aspects of plant biology.

Students in D’Amico’s class make fresh mozzarella as he looks on.

Microbiologist focuses on dairy foods’ safety and quality

Research, outreach education and teaching are the main academic functions of CAHNR. At the hub of all three is Assistant Professor Dennis D’Amico.

Scientist uses gene engineering and stem cells to treat cancer, autoimmune and genetic diseases

The body’s immune system regularly protects us from viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. A complex network of cells, proteins and organs, the immune system responds to pathogens and infection, working to keep us healthy and defend our bodies against disease. However, our immune system may not always dependably guard us. Serious diseases can alter the […]

Change and transformation in the Cooperative Extension System

For Michael O’Neill, associate dean and associate director of UConn Extension, change and transformation are important words in describing the evolution of the Cooperative Extension System. For more than a century, the program has extended the knowledge base of the land-grant university to adults and youth through what O’Neill describes as the “expert system.” Needs were […]

NASA funds blood clot risk studies

Life’s circumstances can inspire research project ideas. For example, after running the Boston Marathon, a female athlete flew back home to Seattle and developed a blood clot or venous thrombosis. The runner’s sister, who is an exercise scientist in kinesiology, started searching for answers. Initial literature reviews in 2010 showed that Associate Professor Beth Taylor, […]

John Bovay

Agricultural economist measures impact of forthcoming federal GMO labeling law

A new label on food packaging could soon alter the purchasing habits of American shoppers and significantly affect producer operations. A federal law will take effect in July 2018 that informs consumers about the genetic science that may be at work behind their favorite foods. This designation may lead to price increases and other far-reaching […]

Luo lab

Researcher uses nanotechnology to design food-based nutrient delivery systems for treatment and prevention of chronic diseases

Yangchao Luo’s passion is food. At home, Luo likes to cook Chinese food and tasty soups for his toddler daughter. In his lab at UConn, where he holds his primary appointment as assistant professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences and  joint appointments in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Institute of Materials Sciences, he focuses […]