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.

Overhead view of Columbia campus with text Columbia Climate School Class Day 2026: Congratulations Graduates

Congratulations to our Columbia Climate School Class of 2026 and all of our 2026 Columbia University graduates! Learn more about our May 15 Climate School Class Day celebration. 💙 #Columbia2026 #ColumbiaClimate2026

  • 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.