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:

Astronauts reflect on living aboard the International Space Station Nov 06, 2026

Show notes

The International Space Station is 250 miles above Earth and travels at roughly 175,000 mph as it orbits our planet. Since 2000, scientists have conducted experiments on everything from cancer to botany to fundamental questions about our universe. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores life aboard the ISS with two astronauts who worked there, Karen Nyberg and Don Pettit. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Why buying concert tickets is a nightmare for fans – and how to fix it Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

Ticket prices for concerts and live events have skyrocketed, and fans are increasingly frustrated by how complex the process has become. As bots and other AI agents swarm the system and displace real fans, what can be done to protect consumers? Horizons moderator William Brangham explores the Wild West of buying tickets with Brian Shearer and Ben Sisario. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Two doctors offer new ideas to prevent gun violence in America Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

America has an epidemic of gun violence that claims over 120 people every day. The country has debated what to do about this for years, but little has changed. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores gun safety and public health with Dr. Sandy McKay and Dr. Joseph Sakran, two experts with prevention ideas they argue every American can get behind. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The hopes and risks of bringing humanoid robots into our homes Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

Life-like, humanoid robots have captured our imagination for decades. Now, those robots work in factories and assembly lines all over the world. Will they soon be working in our own homes? Horizons moderator William Brangham explores our robotic future with Aaron Ames of the California Institute of Technology. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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

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