Memory, Love, & Science
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 info@mondaysciencepodcast.com or follow along on social media.50,000 First Dates - A True Story is available on Amazon Prime.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. info@mondaysciencepodcast.com
17 Feb 24min
Throwback Thursday: Love in the Metaverse
⚠️ 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 episodeThe 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. info@mondaysciencepodcast.com
13 Feb 31min
Pandemics, Politics, and Power: The WHO Withdrawal Explained
🎙️Episode 191 – The U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: What It Means for Global HealthAfter a brief hiatus,Monday Science is back! In this episode, host Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham shares updates on her secondment with Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), where she’s exploring the impact of medicines quality on antimicrobial resistance.But the big topic of the day? The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). What does this decision mean for global health, infectious disease response, and international cooperation? Dr. Bahijja unpacks the history of WHO withdrawals, the potential consequences of the U.S. stepping away, and the broader implications for global health security.🧐 What are your thoughts? Should the U.S. remain in WHO, or is withdrawal justified? Join the conversation—emailinfo@mondaysciencepodcast.com or follow along on social media.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. info@mondaysciencepodcast.com
10 Feb 13min
Why are yawns contagious?
In this Dr Bahijja Raimi-Abraham has taken a suggestion from a group of pharmacy students who are currently conducting their socialisation placement with Monday Science. The topic being ‘why are yawns so contagious’, Dr Raimi-Abraham’s research delves into the realms of chasmology (the scientific study of yawning), which unlocks peculiar reasons for yawning and then she goes on to try to understand why they can be contagious… Warning - this episode briefly contains discussion about sexual arousal and activities Thank you for listening! If you liked the episode, please give us a five-star rating and review. Additional Information Yawning and its physiological significance The Hidden Sexuality of the Yawn and the Future of Chasmology 🚀 Stay connected: Subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review. 🎤 Have questions from this interview? Send them in! Via our website: https://www.mondaysciencepodcast.com/ 📧 Reach out via email: info@mondaysciencepodcast.com
22 Juli 202419min
Throwback Thursday - Why do people find true crime relaxing?
In this episode...Dr Bahijja is back talking about why do people find true crime relaxing. Episode photo by kat wilcox Thank you for listening! If you liked the episode, please give us a five-star rating and review. Buy a Coffee for Monday Science 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. info@mondaysciencepodcast.com
18 Juli 202417min
The myth that we only use 10% of our brain is false!
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 🚀 Stay connected: Subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review. 🎤 Have questions from this interview? Send them in! Via our website: https://www.mondaysciencepodcast.com/ 📧 Reach out via email: info@mondaysciencepodcast.com
15 Juli 202436min
Throwback Thursday - Why has there been an increase in ADHD diagnosis?
In this Throwback Thursday episode...Dr Bahijja is sharing her findings on why there has been an increase in ADHD diagnosis. Thank you for listening! If you liked the episode, please give us a five-star rating and review. Buy a Coffee for Monday Science 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. info@mondaysciencepodcast.com
11 Juli 202429min
How can markers of masculinity influence consumer behavior?
In the first of two episodes, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham interviews Professor Joseph Devlin about his work in consumer neuroscience and neuromarketing. They discuss the importance of understanding consumer behaviour and the ethical considerations surrounding data collection and use. They also touch on the topic of masculinity and its influence on consumer behaviour. Takeaways Consumer neuroscience is a new field that aims to understand how and why consumers make decisions. Ethical considerations are important in consumer neuroscience, particularly in terms of data collection and use. Markers of masculinity can influence consumer behavior. It is important for academics and researchers to stay current with technology and AI. Understanding and integrating AI into research and education can enhance creativity and productivity. Transparency is crucial in the ethical use of data. The Ig Nobel Prize recognizes research that makes you laugh and think, and Professor Devlin's research on small penises and fast cars could be a contender. ACN Labs is Professor Devlin's spin-out company focused on applied consumer neuroscience. Keywords consumer neuroscience, neuro marketing, consumer behavior, data ethics, masculinity, hobbies, books, films, music 🚀 Stay connected: Subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review. 🎤 Have questions from this interview? Send them in! Via our website: https://www.mondaysciencepodcast.com/ 📧 Reach out via email: info@mondaysciencepodcast.com
8 Juli 202431min
