Monday Science

How does physical activity influence sleep? Can exercise boost memory and cognitive performance?

In this episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham welcomes Professor Thanh Dang Vu, a neurologist and sleep researcher, to explore the fascinating relationship between sleep and physical activity.

Professor Vu shares insights from his research on how exercise enhances sleep quality and supports brain function. They discuss the optimal time to work out for better rest, the science behind napping after learning, and how sleep disorders like insomnia and hypersomnia impact daily life. Plus, they dive into the role of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in managing sleep disturbances and the effectiveness of different treatment approaches.

🎧 Can working out at night disrupt your sleep? Is napping after exercise the key to better memory? Join the conversation—email [email protected] or follow along on social media.

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#ThrowbackThursday

In Part II of this conversation, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham interviews Professor Joseph Devlin (Joe) on various topics related to psychology and consumer behavior. They discuss Joe's research on the relationship between male genitalia size perception and interest in high-end sports cars, the concept of addressable TV advertising, and the impact of extreme experiences on creativity. They also debunk common brain myths, such as the idea that we only use 10% of our brain and the notion of being left-brained or right-brained. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding human behavior and the role it plays in various aspects of life.Takeaways

• Perception of male genitalia size can influence interest in high-end sports cars, particularly for men over 30 who may feel less well-endowed.
• Addressable TV advertising, which delivers more relevant ads to consumers based on general information about their household, can enhance advertising effectiveness and improve memory and engagement.
• Engaging in extreme experiences, such as traveling to new environments or participating in unique activities, can enhance creativity and provide a break from day-to-day worries.
• The myth that we only use 10% of our brain is false; the brain is fully utilized, and learning and improvement are possible throughout life.
• The idea of being left-brained or right-brained is also a myth; both hemispheres of the brain are involved in analytical and creative processes.
• During sleep, the brain remains active, performing tasks such as waste removal and healing, while external senses take a break.

Keywords

psychology, consumer behavior, male genitalia size, sports cars, addressable TV advertising, extreme experiences, creativity, brain myths

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How does sleep impact cognitive health? Can napping really boost memory and focus?

In this episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham welcomes Professor Tan Dang Vu, a neurologist and sleep researcher, to explore the science behind sleep and its role in brain function.

Professor Vu shares insights from his research on sleep disorders, highlighting the benefits of napping for memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance. He also discusses the challenges of balancing work and parenting, and why prioritizing quality rest is essential for well-being.

🎧 How can you optimize your sleep for better brain health? Is there a perfect nap length? Join the conversation—email [email protected] or follow along on social media.

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In this #throwbackthursday episode, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham reviews the film 'The Pod Generation' and discusses the scientific concepts behind it. The film explores the idea of growing and developing an embryo outside the natural biological womb in an artificial environment.

Dr. Raimi-Abraham delves into the research on artificial wombs and womb-on-chip technology, highlighting the potential benefits and ethical considerations. She also discusses the director's perspective on societal pressures related to pregnancy and motherhood.

Overall, she gives the film a strong four out of five rating for its thought-provoking themes and excellent acting.

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How do we decide who (or what) is truly human? What happens when we fail to see others' minds—or attribute human-like qualities to objects and AI?

In Part 2 of this fascinating conversation, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham continues her discussion with Professor Lasana Harris, a social neuroscientist specialising in person perception, dehumanization, and decision-making.

This episode explores:

• How dehumanization shapes our interactions, from healthcare to law enforcement.
• The surprising ways AI and even pets can be perceived as human-like.
• Why unconscious bias training often falls short—and what might work instead.
• How emotions, stereotypes, and cognitive shortcuts drive our social decisions.

Can we ever eliminate bias? What does the future hold for AI-human interactions? Join the conversation!

🎧 Listen now and share your thoughts: email [email protected] or follow us on social media.

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In this #throwbackthursday episode, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham discusses her recent paper publication (https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c17384 ) and the research work of one of her PhD researchers. The paper focuses on non-animal based modeling of infectious diseases, specifically human liver stage malaria. The study involves creating a viable and bio-relevant liver model using synthetic nano scaffolds. Dr. Raimi-Abraham also talks about her recent interview on the Pharma Drama YouTube channel and her plans to be interviewed on other podcasts and platforms. The episode concludes with Dr. Raimi-Abraham addressing a listener's dilemma about balancing research work with personal life.

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How do we perceive and categorize others? What happens when we fail to see people as fully human? In this episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham welcomes Professor Lasana Harris, a social neuroscientist and expert in person perception, dehumanization, and decision-making.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Prof. Harris introduces his research and explores how we process social information, the role of stereotypes in shaping thoughts and emotions, and the surprising ways we dehumanize others—while sometimes attributing human-like qualities to objects and AI. He also discusses the psychological mechanisms behind biases in the legal system and what they reveal about human decision-making.

🎧 How do stereotypes shape our interactions? Can AI truly understand human emotions? Join the conversation—[email protected] or follow along on social media.

Listen now, and stay tuned for Part 2!

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e. [email protected]

🕰️ #ThrowbackThursday with Monday Science. Dr. Bahijja returns in this special throwback thursday episode, exploring Why do people find true crime relaxing? 🤔

🌟 If the nostalgia hits you, leave a five-star rating and share your thoughts in a review!
🔗 Watch the video podcast on YouTube🚀 Stay connected: Subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review.

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Thanks for taking this throwback trip with us! 🎙️🔙

What happens when memory disappears overnight? In this episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham explores the fascinating yet heartbreaking story of Nesh Pillay, whose life was upended by severe memory loss due to a traumatic brain injury. Inspired by the documentary 50,000 First Dates (this episode contains spoilers), this episode unpacks the science behind memory formation, the impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and the emotional toll on both patients and caregivers.

Dr. Bahijja delves into the complexities of brain function, discussing conditions like functional neurological disorder, post-concussion syndrome, and psychogenic amnesia. She also highlights the role of early diagnosis, public awareness, and ongoing research in understanding and treating memory-related disorders.

Beyond the science, this episode touches on the deeply personal side of brain injuries—how relationships are tested, how patients fight to be believed, and how caregivers navigate the unknown.

🎧 What can we learn from stories like Nesh’s? Listen now to find out!

Join the conversation—email us [email protected] or follow along on social media.

50,000 First Dates - A True Story is available on Amazon Prime.

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⚠️ Please note that this episode includes a trigger warning for discussions about consent, sexual assault, and sexual harassment.⚠️

Join us as Dr. Raimi-Abraham speaks with Dr. Douglas Zytko, (an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Oakland University) about Love in the Metaverse. delves into the world of virtual reality and how it is impacting dating and relationships.

About the episode

The episode explores the growing popularity of virtual reality dating experiences, and how they compare to traditional, in-person dating. It also examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of virtual reality dating, including the impact on social skills and the ability to form genuine connections. The episode also looks at the future of virtual reality technology and its potential impact on dating and relationships. It will also discusses if virtual reality could replace real-life connections or enhance them.

Subscribe, follow, comment, leave a review and get in touch !

Submit your questions or send your voice note questions (up to 30 seconds) here.

https://www.mondaysciencepodcast.com/

e. [email protected]