College of Agriculture, Health & Natural Resources
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Horticulturist brings patience and perseverance to development of new plant cultivars
It takes years of perseverance and patience to bring a new plant cultivar to market. Mark Brand, professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, has what it takes to plod through this lengthy process. To date, his lab has introduced twenty-seven new cultivars and currently has about a half dozen others in trials, of […]
Physical therapy program provides care to migrant farmers at health clinics
Students and faculty from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) have been volunteering since 2008 to help bring health care to Connecticut’s migrant and seasonal farm workers, a medically underserved population. Every year thousands of migrant agricultural laborers journey to Connecticut to work at the state’s farms, orchards, […]
Robots are coming to the dairy center
Robots vacuum floors and assist surgeons. Soon, they will be milking the UConn dairy herd. To house the robots, a 3,000-square-foot Kellogg Dairy Center addition is underway with an expected opening in April 2018. When it is finished, the facility will be among the first voluntary milking systems installed at a university. This state-of-the art […]
Food safety website provides answers for consumers and producers
Storms like hurricanes Harvey and Irma can create a public health nightmare, leading to safety issues of all kinds, including food safety concerns. How long will food remain safe to eat if your refrigerator fails? How do you disinfect your kitchen? Is produce safe to eat? Find the answers to most food safety questions for […]
College Walktober events offers visitors the great outdoors in Storrs
This October, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources will host three Walktober events, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the great outdoors on and near the UConn Storrs Campus. Each year, The Last Green Valley, Inc., a federally designated National Heritage Corridor comprising 35 towns in eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts, organizes Walktober, a month-plus-long opportunity to explore […]