Features
Why the US-China Trade War is Unwise and Unwinnable
Economist and Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz explains the hidden weaknesses of the American economy
Merge Records and the Explosion of American Indie Rock
Mac McCaughan ’90CC, frontman of the band Superchunk, has been shaping independent music since 1989. He’s never sold out
5 Women Entrepreneurs Making the World a Better Place
These ambitious alumnae are using their ingenuity and goodwill to make meaningful change around the globe
Genius at Work: How Franz Boas Created the Field of Cultural Anthropology
A century ago, when people believed that human potential was determined by race and gender, a maverick Columbia professor decided everyone was wrong
College Walk
The Conversion of St. Paul’s
Scaffolding around Columbia’s most breathtaking structure comes down — and all eyes look up
The Columbia Vegan Society and the Rise of Plant-Based Culture
You can have your dairy-free, egg-free cake and protect the planet, too
Urban History and the Harlem River
A class explores Manhattan’s neglected waterway
The Art of "Radical Listening"
Columbia holds a three-day workshop on the healing power of narrative medicine
Explorations
What Can this Ancient Creature Tell Us about the Human Brain?
The hydra has one of the oldest and most rudimentary nervous systems of any species
Why Economists Downplay Climate Risks
They’re being too “conservative,” but not in the way you might think
Does the US Transplant System Waste too Many Kidneys?
A new study suggests that patients are missing out on viable organs
An Elevator to the Moon?
Columbia astronomers suggest an alternative to the rocket ship
7 New Discoveries from Columbia Scientists
Songbirds offer insights into language learning, and other findings
The Secret Life of Bones
Science suggests the skeleton is our most underrated organ
A New Type of Social Currency
Valor y Cambio encourages Puerto Ricans to share their personal stories
The Latest on Vaping Risks
Research from Columbia indicates that e-cigarette users are inhaling dangerous amounts of nickel and chromium
Network
3 Podcasts for History Lovers
From Seth Stevenson '11JRN, Tom Meyers '97CC, and Eric Marcus '84JRN, '03GSAPP
Time to Talk about Tampons
Jordana Kier ’14BUS, co-founder of Lola, wants us to think differently about feminine-hygiene products
The Politician Advocating for Disability Rights in Kenya
Dennitah Ghati ’04SW is fighting for her country’s most vulnerable citizens
So You Think You Can Write a Memoir?
Lilly Dancyger ’12JRN on the art of writing about yourself — and making other people care about your story
12 Holiday Gift Ideas from Columbia Entrepreneurs
For the globetrotter, vinyl collector, skin-care enthusiast, and everyone else on your shopping list
The Most Jewish Foods, According to a Jewish Foodie
Alana Newhouse ’00BC, ’02JRN breaks down borscht, bagels, and brisket, and also shares a dessert recipe
Books
It’s Time to Stop Obsessing about the War on Cancer
Leukemia specialist Azra Raza on why the medical field needs to focus more on early detection
Bulletin
Plato’s Got Company — and Maybe Competition
Students created a banner bearing the names of eight women authors that hung on the façade of Butler Library
Columbia World Projects to Launch Initiatives in Ghana, Uganda
The two new programs are aimed at improving public health and energy access in Africa
Housing Gets a Boost
A new research initiative at GSAPP will encourage the design and development of innovative, sustainable, and affordable housing
Homecoming Triumph
The Columbia Lions notched their largest homecoming victory ever this past fall
New Center for Quantum Physics Launched
Columbia joins forces with New York City’s Flatiron Institute and Germany’s Max Planck Society
Amy Hungerford to Lead Arts and Sciences
The longtime Yale professor and academic administrator begins her new role on January 1
Business School’s New Home Takes Shape
The school’s two new buildings will open in 2022, providing the school nearly twice as much space
Power of Three
The women’s cross-country team claimed its third straight Ivy title this fall
Muhtar Kent Donates $6M for Conflict-Resolution Program
A major gift for SIPA from the former chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola company
Rare Finds
A 1960s Synthesizer is Brought Back to Life
Engineers and musicians at Columbia recently revived one of the first modern electronic instruments