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

David Kipping’s videos about outer space have millions of views.

Lead is associated with impaired cognitive function, attention-related behavioral problems, and diminished academic performance.

Cannabis may be an important and under-recognized source of lead and cadmium exposure.

The project will use theory, simulations, and observations to explore extreme astrophysical environments.

Nim Tottenham, the new chair of psychology, has a longstanding interest in how parents influence brain development.

At an Upstate New York nature preserve, Columbia researchers are decoding the natural world in order to conserve it.

New findings show that what triggers initial gastrointestinal changes in Parkinson’s could be a misdirected immune attack.

A new mouse study raises the possibility that we can prevent or treat memory loss related to aging and dementia.

A new study of mice shows that exposure to too much dopamine may set the stage for antisocial behaviors.

The findings could help physicians better predict which brain-injured patients are likely to recover with rehabilitation. 

Health workers are more at risk for drug overdose death than non-healthcare workers, according to a new study.

The source of magnetic fields has long been debated. New research offers clues on their origins.