Horizon — 1999

Jan 19991h

Horizon examines how observations of supernova in distant parts of the universe has provided evidence of the accelerating expansion of the universe. This new evidence suggests the existence of a new type energy in space which may have significant implications for the ultimate fate of the universe.

Feb 19991h

Horizon looks at the knowledge gained following the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918.

Feb 19991h

In this episode, Horizon reports from Africa on the effect that rising elephant numbers are having on humans and the natural environment.

Feb 19991h

Horizon presents a documentary looking at the United States heart specialist, Michael DeBakey, and his work and research into making miniature pumps which could help make permanent artificial hearts in the future.

Feb 19991h

In this Horizon documentary, we present Alfred Steinschneider's theory on cot death where gaps in breathing could be responsible for the death of many infants.

Mar 19991h

In this report, Horizon explores the arguments for and against the building of the Space Station Freedom and will it ever justify it's huge cost.

Mar 19991h

Horizon presents this documentary by scientists who have calculated that the Earth will be hit by a small asteroid within 50 years. How will this effect our planet?

Mar 19991h

In this report, Horizon investigates the rare disease called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, which causes muscles and ligaments to turn into solid bone. This disease causes severe disfigurement and suffering, and often-time death. We look at the research by scientists trying to find out the causes of the disease and how to find a cure.

Aug 19991h

Dramatisation of biologist David Lack's struggle to reconcile scientific evidence for evolution with his belief in God.

Nov 19991h

Horizon presents a documentary about Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) where in the 1980's, it suddenly became the talk of the town. Tens of thousands of Americans were diagnosed with an illness that was previously unheard of. A trigger for this sudden was the release of a film, "Sybil". Telling the dramatic story of a woman diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder, the film was shown across America making Sybil a household name.

Nov 19991h

Could giant volcanic 'chimneys' on the ocean floor unlock the secret of how life began on Earth?

Nov 19991h

Horizon reports on a February 1999 catastrophic avalanche at Galtür in Austria that claimed 31 lives. Over the next six months, Horizon followed a team of scientists as they pieced together the extraordinary chain of events that led to the disaster. The scientists' investigations into the extreme forces of nature responsible for the tragedy are making people re-evaluate their calculations about avalanches.

Dec 19991h

Horizon presents the extraordinary story of a beautiful mathematical formula that changed the world, the financial markets, and indeed capitalism itself. It could do the unthinkable - it took the risk out of playing the money-markets. To its inventors it brought the Nobel Prize for economics. To those who used it, it brought great wealth. But this glittering tale would end in tragedy.

Sept 199949m

The Aztecs are regarded as the most bloodthirsty of the Central American peoples, but they were also one of the most sophisticated. DrTony Spawforth discovers how, on arriving in Mexico, they created a new and brutal mythology from the relics of an earlier civilisation.