Seasons & episodes

Horizon presents a documentary that reveals the role played by deception in society and the effort by science to weed out the truth and the controversy over the accuracy of the polygraph test.

Horizon investigates the controversial research into some birth control contraceptives.

This episode of Horizon is about the future of micro-technology. In 1959, noted American physicist Richard Feynman offered a $1000 prize to anyone who could build an electronic motor no larger than half a millimetre on any side. He awarded the prize within eight months. Today, some scientists predict the imminent development of molecular computers the size of specks of dust. This program examines that and other technical possibilities, as it takes viewers on a guided tour of the cutting-edge laboratories of nanotechnology. There, scientists working on similarly astounding projects offer their predictions about future technological developments. Discussions include how nature provides scientific inspiration. Detailed scientific models and sophisticated computer graphics illustrate how these new micro-technologies will work.

Horizon presents an update on the story about asteroids colliding with Earth some day.

Horizon looks at an attempt to crack the mystery of smell by designing a molecule whose odour can be detected.

This report by Horizon brings you the latest research into the battle agains the AIDS virus.

Horizon presents the story of the search for an explanation of how rock can flow like water.

Investigates the case of the "Boxgrove Man". Follows archaeologist Mark Roberts who tries to piece together the history of the first Englishman, from a shin bone nearly 500,000 years old, discovered in Boxgrove in Sussex.

Tells the story of mathematician Andrew Wiles who has made it his life's work to solve the puzzle of Fermat's last theorem that has baffled minds for three centuries.

Examines the latest research aimed at conquering cancer. Includes research into vaccines for prostate cancer and skin cancer.

Follows a group of biologists Conservation International who take a pragmatic approach to what species can be saved.They travel to the Bolivian rainforest to assess missing species.

Follows two teams of researchers, in Britain and USA as they use radically different genetic techniques in the race to find an effective treatment against cystic fibrosis.

Recounts the history of scientific attempts from Marconi onwards to understand the atmospheric layer, known as the ionosphere. Discusses interest shown by the US Military in the region which has led to the establishment of HAARP (High Altitude Auroral Research Project) which will beam energy directly into the ionosphere.

Are changes in modern living increasing levels of oestrogen and threatening males of different species, from alligators to humans?

In this Horizon documentary, we look at the notion that each cell in our body is programmed to die. Understanding this concept has major implications for research into disease.

Follows astronomers from Manchester, Switzerland and California as they search for planets with liquid water on them, the prerequisite for life

In this episode of Horizon, which is a follow-up to the 1991 documentary, we follow a group of soviet scientists on a suicide mission as they search for the missing nuclear fuel inside the remains of the nuclear reactor 4.

Reports on the work by scientists Dr Keith Baverstock and Sir Dillwyn Williams to confirm that the outbreak of thyroid cancer in children in Belarus and the Ukraine was due to the Chernobyl disaster.

In this documentary, Horizon compares the future of television with the years of experimentation before the first BBC broadcasts in 1936.

An investigation into claims that life once existed on Mars. NASA scientists and their critics discuss the fossils discovered in a small meteoric rock in Antarctica earlier in 1996.

Looks at new treatments for patients in a persistent vegetative state. Focuses on the case of Geoffrey Wildsmith who was misdiagnosed as being PVS. He had awoken from his coma but was totally paralysed and unable to communicate. After two years he was transferred and it was found he could communicate by using a buzzer connected to a highly sensitive pressure-switch.

An investigation into claims by researchers that time travel is not only theoretically possible but is already happening.

Follows the work of geologists Bill Ryan and Walter Pitman, who for twenty five years have been investigating evidence for the location of the biblical flood and Noah's Ark.

Horizon reports on the resurgence in research on psychedelic drugs in the 1990's.