State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

biological research

  • Study Reveals Microbes’ Hidden Role in Fertilizing Oceans

    Study Reveals Microbes’ Hidden Role in Fertilizing Oceans

    Surprisingly little has been known about how phosphorous, an essential nutrient, cycles through the oceans. A new study has broken through some of this mystery, by showing the hidden role that the oceans’ tiniest creatures play.

  • A Whole New Way of Seeing…Mantis Shrimp

    A Whole New Way of Seeing…Mantis Shrimp

    Mantis shrimp are marine crustaceans inhabiting the shallow sunlit waters of tropical seas, where they make a living as voracious ambush predators. This week in Science, new research sheds light on their fascinating visual system, and reveals a novel form of color vision, previously unknown in the animal kingdom.

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • Study Reveals Microbes’ Hidden Role in Fertilizing Oceans

    Study Reveals Microbes’ Hidden Role in Fertilizing Oceans

    Surprisingly little has been known about how phosphorous, an essential nutrient, cycles through the oceans. A new study has broken through some of this mystery, by showing the hidden role that the oceans’ tiniest creatures play.

  • A Whole New Way of Seeing…Mantis Shrimp

    A Whole New Way of Seeing…Mantis Shrimp

    Mantis shrimp are marine crustaceans inhabiting the shallow sunlit waters of tropical seas, where they make a living as voracious ambush predators. This week in Science, new research sheds light on their fascinating visual system, and reveals a novel form of color vision, previously unknown in the animal kingdom.