Elaina Hancock


Author Archive

As forest edges multiply and deep forest shrinks, some edge-loving species like the boa constrictor are becoming invasive, while deep forest-dwellers like the Sunda pangolin are becoming at risk of extinction. (Image from an animated video, 'Biodiversity on the Edge'/ Imperial College London, ERC, and Newcastle University)

Living on the Edge Not for All Species

A new study finds that as tropical forests become increasingly fragmented, some species are at an ever-increasing risk for extinction, especially those that depend on the forest core.

Illustration of Jonathan the Husky mascot in a Game of Thrones costume, with Wilbur Cross Building in the background. (Yesenia Carrero/UConn Illustration)

Winter is Coming – Just How Bad Will it Be?

From analyzing long-range weather forecasts to reading signs in nature, UConn experts weigh in on what may be in store this winter.

Artist's rendition of the descent of the Pathfinder lander onto planet Mars. The lander will descend by parachute, and will be protected by airbags which will deflate upon impact. The three petals protecting the lander will open after it lands. In this rendition the petals are partially opened. (Photo by © CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Explosive Research: Eliminating ‘What Ifs?’ in Space Travel

UConn researchers are adapting methods for studying forces in earthly structures such as bridges and skyscrapers, for use in spacecraft.

Sam Stine '18 (CLAS) working at the Biodiversity Research Collections facility. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)

Old Specimens, New Insights

In UConn’s Biodiversity Research Collections, scientists, like detectives, are discovering new information about species today, even from specimens collected decades ago.

Mango being picked from tree. (Getty Images)

Lab Identifies Way to Reduce Salmonella Outbreaks in Mangoes

A UConn lab recently processed 4,000 mangoes and water samples to test the efficacy of three disinfectants commonly used by the industry to reduce contamination. What they found surprised them.

Thomas Worthley, associate extension professor, points out damage caused by emerald ash borers on a tree along Horsebarn Hill Road on Aug. 29, 2017. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Big Changes in Store for UConn’s Trees and Yours

The invasive Emerald Ash Borer, which has already killed millions of ash trees, has arrived in Storrs.

A total solar eclipse is only visible from Earth when the moon is new and at a node, meaning the sun and Earth are aligned with the moon in the middle. (Yesenia Carrero/UConn Image)

A Total Eclipse of the Heart (of America)

On Aug. 21, a solar eclipse will be visible throughout North America for the first time in 38 years. UConn astronomer Cynthia Peterson explains what to expect.

Skylar Dodge, 11, of Woodstock, adjusts the buoyancy of her underwater remotely operated vehicle at the Wolff-Zackin Natatorium during the SPARK camp for girls on July 19, 2017. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

New Program Immerses Teens in STEM Challenges

A new summer camp to encourage girls to pursue STEM disciplines gave teens the opportunity to build and operate underwater robots.

Aesop's Fable, The Ants and the Grasshopper. (Library of Congress)

In Making Decisions, Are You an Ant or a Grasshopper?

Although it may seem less appealing, the ant's strategy of delaying gratification in the children's fable by Aesop should not be viewed in a negative light.

Ticks cannot fly or jump but they are particularly good at hitchhiking, using a behavior called 'questing.' (John Bailey/UConn Illustration)

Tick-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

To avoid ticks, you must think like a tick.