Research & Discovery

This page highlights the astonishing amount of scientific discovery happening at Columbia, one of the world’s leading research universities. 

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Clockwise from top left: An iceberg stranded on a submerged rock in northwest Greenland (Karl Zinglersen); homo erectus crania from the Turkana Rift (John Rowan); a mosquito feeding (Alex Wild); a shell of thick gas and dust (red) expelled from the outer layers of a star as its core collapses into a black hole. The inner regions show a heated ball of gas (white) continuing to fall into the central black hole. (Keith Miller, Caltech/IPAC - SELab)
Columbia University Discoveries in 2025-26 to Know About

Here are some of the top scientific research findings of the past academic year.


 

RECENT STORIES

A Columbia study showed that the technology can eradicate more than 99% of virus particles in a real-life setting outside a lab.

A new type of investigational therapeutic in development has shown unprecedented tumor-fighting abilities.

How the 1970 solar eclipse set me on the path to becoming a Columbia astronomy professor.

New research shows that the birds memorize the location of food using brain cell activity akin to a barcode.

Columbia engineers have built a robot that uses AI to anticipate a person’s smile before they actually smile, a major advance.

The tool could help scientists fight cancer by improving their understanding of tissue development, function, and disease.

Emanuil Yanev talks about his PhD work modifying 2D materials to push their light-producing limits.

The finding could help fill critical gaps between quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theories, solving a major dilemma in physics.

Columbia researchers can now detect AI-generated content without accessing AI's architecture, algorithms, or training data.

Through an ARPA-H grant, Columbia researchers will aim to build a living replacement knee to be tested within five years.

A new survey of the skin’s primary sensory neurons has upended old assumptions.

Timely guidance can empower patients to advocate for their health throughout life, according to new Columbia research.