Horizons from PBS News

Each week, explore science, health, and technology headlines with leading experts. PBS News is supported by – https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Latest Episodes:

Exploring the science of keeping your mind sharp as you age Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Everyone wants to keep a sharp mind as they age, especially as dementia cases continue to rise. Now, a growing body of evidence suggests almost half of the key risks for cognitive decline can be prevented or delayed. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores the emerging science that can help protect against dementia with Dr. Jonathan Rosand of the Global Brain Care Coalition. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

How a rare genetic mutation could unlock new ways to treat or prevent dementia Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

Over 55 million people worldwide are living with the devastating reality of dementia, but researchers have now identified some individuals who share a rare genetic predisposition to developing a type of this tragic disease. Could studying these families unlock new ways to predict, treat, or even prevent Alzheimer's and dementia? Horizons moderator William Brangham explores more with Robert Kolker. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

How much privacy is left in an age of surveillance? Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

We are all being watched in ways we never imagined, including vehicle tracking, facial recognition technology and data mining. What does all this digital surveillance mean for the right to privacy? And as a backlash over this monitoring grows, what can you do to protect yourself? Horizons moderator William Brangham explores the ethics of surveillance Byron Tau and Calli Schroeder. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The science of grief and how it can impact physical health Sep 18, 2026

Show notes

If we are lucky enough to live full lives and form meaningful relationships, chances are, we will also experience loss, and with it, grief. As common as grief is, it's also mysterious. Horizons guest moderator Ali Rogin explores the science of grief with Liz Gleeson and Dr. George Slavich. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The lasting health toll of 9/11 on rescue workers and survivors Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

It's now believed that more people have died because of the toxic exposures they got from the 9/11 sites than were killed by the terrorists on that day. Survivors, first responders and volunteers have faced everything from cancer to respiratory disorders to PTSD. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores the long-term health impacts with Dr. Michael Crane, Dr. Benjamin Luft and John Feal. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Technology is reshaping education. But is it helping students learn? Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

Putting technology into schools was sold as a revolution that would help kids learn. But as tech companies exert greater influence, many are now wondering if screen time is doing more harm than good. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores how technology is shaping education with Natasha Singer, a New York Times reporter and author of "Coding Kids: Big Tech's Battle to Remake Public Schools." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Why America faces a primary care shortage – and why it matters Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

There's a critical need for primary care physicians across America, but a shortage of doctors and rising insurance costs are forcing people to forgo preventive care altogether. Americans die of preventable, treatable diseases at far higher rates than people who live in other similar nations. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores possible solutions with Dr. Lucy McBride and Renuka Rayasam. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Can recycling solve the world's trash problem? Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

Reduce, reuse, recycle. It's the mantra heard for decades, but does it work? There's a lingering cynicism that recycling is a scam, that it doesn't really help, and it's more about making us feel good than doing something meaningful. Horizons moderator William Brangham separates fact from fiction with Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli of WATS and Judith Enck of Beyond Plastics. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The alarming decline of bird populations and why humans should care Jul 31, 2026

Show notes

Birds are not only wondrous creatures that live amongst us, they're also an essential part of life on Earth – helping grow food, keeping pests at bay and spreading seeds. But more than half of migratory bird populations are declining globally. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores the threats birds are facing with ornithologist Peter Marra of the Earth Commons at Georgetown University. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Why uterine fibroids remain misunderstood despite affecting most women Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

For millions of women, uterine fibroids not only cause painful symptoms, but the diagnosis can bring more questions than answers. Even though most women will develop them, misconceptions remain about who gets them and how they should be treated. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores fibroids and treatment with Dr. Soyini Hawkins and Sateria Venable. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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