Advertise on podcast: Monday Science

Monday Science is back ! In this first Conversations with Dr Bahijja episode, I reflect on why perfectionism has sometimes got in the way of consistently making the podcast, and why I’m choosing conversation over perfection. Then we get into the science. I talk about AI and pharmaceutical data, academic freedom, what university education actually costs, why expertise alone may not be enough to build public trust in scientists, non-animal models in infectious disease research, and the bigger question of who decides what research gets funded. There is also quantum physics, AI in pharma and, naturally, an Ig Nobel-winning experiment involving underwear buried in soil. A curious, wide-ranging conversation about science, research, academia and the things that made me stop and think this week. In this episode: AI, federated learning and pharmaceutical collaboration Academic freedom and higher education What makes people trust scientists? How research funding can shape scientific priorities Have a question, comment or something interesting you’ve spotted in science? Get in touch with Monday Science — I may feature it in a future episode. Find out more about Monday Science - https://mondaysciencepodcast.com/ Get in Touch - [email protected] us on instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mondayscience/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/monday-science?originalSubdomain=ukFollow us on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mondayscience

What does it take to move pharmaceutical innovation from a university lab into the hands of the people who actually need it? And what happens when scientists stop waiting for “perfect conditions” and start building anyway? In this part II episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham sits down with Prof Margaret Ilomuanya to explore the realities of pharmaceutical innovation, research leadership, and in-country manufacturing in Nigeria. From compounding creams in buckets inside a small office to leading MedAfrica GMP Laboratories, the first GMP facility domiciled within a university in West Africa this conversation is ultimately about vision, persistence, and the power of starting small. But this episode also goes deeper than infrastructure or funding. It explores the mindset behind scientific progress. The role of collaboration. The importance of communicating African science more visibly. And the tension between barriers that exist on paper and the opportunities that emerge when researchers focus on solutions instead of limitations. Follow us @MondayScience #mondayscience #mondaysciencepodcast Find out more www.mondaysciencepodcast.com Get in touch [email protected] Join the newsletter https://forms.gle/e1KWqp5H6x14k9pV9

What does it really take to move from understanding a problem… to building something that actually solves it? In this episode of the Monday Science Nigeria Special Series, Dr Bahijja Raimi-Abraham explors that question through the journey of Professor. Margaret Ilomuanya  — pharmacist, academic, product developer, and one of the driving forces behind one of West Africa’s most significant pharmaceutical innovation milestones. From hospital pharmacy to academia, and into global research collaborations, her work sits at the intersection of science, systems, and real-world needs. This conversation goes beyond career progression. It examines how lived clinical experience can shape research direction, why innovation often fails to reach the people it’s meant to serve, and what it looks like to build scientific infrastructure within the very environments where problems exist. At the centre of it is a clear thread: science is not just about discovery. It is about application, relevance, and impact! Dr Bahijja's questions for you... What does innovation look like in your context, and who is it really designed for?Have you seen examples where research stays on paper instead of reaching people?And what would need to change, in your field or system, for science to move more consistently from idea… to impact?Follow us @MondayScience #mondayscience #mondaysciencepodcast Find out more www.mondaysciencepodcast.com Get in touch [email protected] Join the newsletter https://forms.gle/e1KWqp5H6x14k9pV9

Monday Science returns with a new season, a new format, and a deeper focus on how science moves across systems. In this episode, Dr Bahijja Raimi-Abraham reflects on the journey so far and introduces a season shaped by her secondment in Nigeria, exploring medicines quality, antimicrobial resistance, and the hidden ways pharmaceuticals impact both people and the planet. About this Episode This relaunch episode marks the return of Monday Science with a renewed focus, a refined structure, and a deeper sense of purpose. Six years after its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic, the podcast evolves from a spontaneous response to global uncertainty into a more intentional platform for science, storytelling, and systems-level thinking. In this episode, Dr Bahijja Raimi-Abraham reflects on the origins of the podcast, from creating a trusted space for evidence-based conversations to navigating her own journey as a pharmaceutical scientist and academic. She introduces the shift to a seasonal format and situates Monday Science within the broader mission of Scientifically Speaking, focusing on workforce development and translating science to society. The episode also sets the direction for the new season, centred on her secondment experience in Nigeria with NAFDAC, exploring how medicines quality influences antimicrobial resistance and what this means for regulation, public health, and global systems. A new segment, On My Radar, introduces the concept of One Health, examining how human medicines, such as fluoxetine, are impacting ecosystems in unexpected ways. This opens up a broader conversation about the hidden pathways through which pharmaceuticals shape both human and environmental health. The episode closes by setting expectations for the season ahead, including in-depth discussions, expert interviews, and a continued commitment to making science accessible, relevant, and impactful. 🎧 Follow @DrBahijjaRaimiA and @MondayScience for updates

In this final Monday Science Live before our summer break, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham wraps up the Black Mirror Season 7 series with an in-depth look at USS Callister: Into Infinity, a bold sequel to the iconic Season 4 episode. We follow Nanette Cole and her crew—digital consciousnesses cloned without consent—as they fight for survival and freedom in a vast online universe controlled by 30 million players. This episode explores: The science and ethics of cloning human consciousness from DNA Consent, autonomy, and digital imprisonment The risks of advanced VR and mind uploading What it truly means to be “real” in a virtual world Dr. Bahijja also reflects on key takeaways from the entire season and invites listeners to continue the conversation while the podcast takes a short break. This is the last live episode before Monday Science goes on pause...join us as we end the season! 🎧 Follow @DrBahijjaRaimiA and @MondayScience for updates and return dates.

In this emotional and thought-provoking episode, we explore Eulogy — a Black Mirror story that dives deep into the ethics of memory, grief, and technological immortality. Set in a world where people can relive and even edit their most traumatic or treasured memories, Eulogy centers around the use of AI-assisted therapy and memory playback technology. Join us as we unpack the science and ethics of this episode — from digital memory preservation and emotional manipulation to the societal consequences of controlling our past. We explore questions like: Can revisiting pain help us heal, or does it deepen the wound? Who owns our memories once they’re uploaded? And what happens when grief is commodified? We also reflect on: The risks and benefits of using tech for trauma processing The blurred line between therapy and surveillance The impact of nostalgia on mental health As the episode builds to its haunting conclusion, we discuss the power of memory to shape identity and the moral implications of letting machines curate our most intimate experiences. Whether you’re a science lover, an ethics enthusiast, or just a Black Mirror fan, this discussion will leave you questioning the future of healing — and the price of remembering. Follow, rate, share, and stay connected on @mondayscience on all social media platforms.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of consent, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham speaks with Dr. Douglas Zytko, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Oakland University, about how virtual reality is reshaping the landscape of dating and relationships. About the Episode As virtual reality technology becomes more immersive and accessible, new forms of connection are emerging—especially in the realm of dating. This episode explores the rise of VR dating platforms, their similarities and differences compared to in-person interactions, and the psychological and social implications of falling in love in a digital space. Together, Dr. Raimi-Abraham and Dr. Zytko examine the potential benefits—such as accessibility and safety—as well as the challenges, including questions about authenticity, consent, and emotional connection. Could virtual reality enhance our capacity to form meaningful relationships, or is something vital lost when touch and presence are replaced with code and avatars? Tune in for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of technology, intimacy, and the future of human connection. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, comment, and leave a review. We’d love to hear from you!

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of love, identity, and emotional connection in AI, and briefly references ethical concerns around AI consciousness. In this live episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham dives into the third episode of Black Mirror Season 7, “Hotel Reverie,” starring Issa Rae. This episode blurs the line between simulated affection and human emotion, asking: What if the person you loved only existed in code? Bahijja explores the emotional and ethical implications of falling in love with an AI, the limits of memory and agency in simulated consciousness, and the question of whether virtual intimacy can replace—or enhance—real-life relationships. Drawing connections to real-world examples like emotional AI companions, voice cloning in Hollywood, and the growing phenomenon of love in the metaverse, this conversation is both deeply human and technologically grounded. 💬 Topics explored: AI consciousness, memory, and emotional residue Virtual reality love stories and metaverse relationships The creative stagnation in film and science Ethical dilemmas of sentient AI and identity Real-world case studies: Replica, James Earl Jones’ AI voice, and Peter Scott-Morgan’s journey as a cyborg Whether you’re a Black Mirror fan or just curious about the future of tech and human emotion, this episode will leave you reflecting on what it means to love, remember, and connect. Follow, rate, share, and stay connected on @mondayscience on all podcast platforms.

#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.🚀 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: ⁠[email protected]

In this Monday Science LIVE episode, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham breaks down Black Mirror Season 7, Episode 2 – Bête Noire, exploring how technology, memory, and perception collide. From the unsettling power of quantum computing to the mystery of the Mandela Effect, Dr Bahijja unpacks the science and ethics behind one of the season’s most psychologically intense episodes. This conversation goes beyond fiction, inviting listeners to reflect on real-world themes of truth, identity, and trauma. Through a mix of science, lived experience, and pop culture, the episode examines how memory can be shaped—and sometimes distorted—by both our past and the technologies around us. 🔍 Topics covered include: The Mandela Effect and collective false memories Quantum computing and its influence on perception Revenge, trauma, and accountability Microaggressions and workplace dynamics News narratives and memory manipulation What defines reality—and who controls it? 💡 Takeaways: The fragile nature of truth is shaped by culture and technology Memory isn’t fixed—and can be manipulated Childhood experiences can leave lasting psychological effects Power, identity, and perception are deeply intertwined 📚 Whether you're into neuroscience, ethics, tech, or just love Black Mirror, this episode will challenge your perspective and expand your thinking. 📬 Got thoughts? Email: [email protected]📱 Follow and join the discussion: @MondayScience on TikTok & Instagram

#ThrowbackThursday 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. 🚀 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: ⁠[email protected]

Welcome to the first-ever Monday Science Live! In this lively and unfiltered episode, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham kicks off a new interactive series exploring the real-world science, technology, and ethical questions behind Black Mirror Season 7. This week, we dive into Episode 1 – "Common People", a powerful commentary on healthcare, corporate greed, and consciousness. From chaotic lighting mishaps to deep reflections on subscription-based medicine, Dr Bahijja explores the disturbing implications of Rivermind—a fictional tech company offering life-saving brain implants... for a fee. Topics include: 🧠 Brain-computer interfaces and mind uploading 🧾 Subscription-based healthcare models 📺 Neuromarketing and ads delivered directly to the brain 🧍‍♀️ What happens when human dignity is commodified With personal anecdotes, tech news updates, and a healthy dose of laughter, this episode blends sci-fi with real-life science in true Monday Science style. 🔊 Join the conversation: Would you pay a monthly subscription to keep a loved one alive? Where should we draw the line between innovation and exploitation? 🎧 Subscribe now and don’t miss next week’s breakdown of Episode 2: Bête Noire – even if it wasn’t Bahijja’s favorite…

Surprise! 🎉 Monday Science is turning FIVE this May, and your host Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham has a major announcement: we're going LIVE! After years of pre-recorded episodes, we’re shaking things up. Starting in May, Monday Science Live will bring unfiltered, interactive science conversations to your screens. Expect all the things you love—science, tech, and deep dives into topics like Marvel and Black Mirror—but now with YOU in the conversation. 🧠✨ In this special update episode, Dr. Bahijja shares what’s coming, why it’s happening now, and how you can get involved. From sending in questions to joining the live shows, this is your official invitation to be part of something new. 🔗 Visit www.mondaysciencepodcast.com📲 Follow @monday.science on social media for updates and sign-up details. Ready for the live action version of Monday Science?

What really makes a good parent? Can resilience in children be a double-edged sword? In this episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham speaks with Professor Nicole Letourneau, a leading expert in parenting and child development. Together, they explore how scientific research can guide parenting practices, the importance of reflective function in understanding children’s needs, and why social support is essential for families. They dive into parenting styles, the impact of intergenerational trauma, and how real-world research can improve mental health outcomes for both parents and children. Whether you’re a parent, future parent, or just curious about how early childhood environments shape us, this episode is filled with insight. 🧠 Soundbites"Kids are resilient, but at what cost?""Parents should recognize their power.""Parenting is a demanding task." 💬 What’s one parenting myth you’d like to see debunked? Share your thoughts at [email protected] or tag us on socials @mondayscience!

What do chemistry, clean energy, and women’s empowerment have in common? In this episode of Monday Science, Dr. Bahijja Raimi-Abraham speaks to Sandile Matetwa, a PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge, about how her experiences growing up in Zimbabwe during power cuts shaped her passion for renewable energy—and how she's using science to fuel change. They explore Sandile’s research into hydrogen as a clean energy source, the importance of STEM representation, and the challenges of pursuing a PhD as a young mother and international student. Plus, Sandile shares her work as co-founder of the Africans in STEM Initiative and the founder of Simuka Arise, an empowerment organisation for women and single mothers. 🎧 Have you ever thought about how science can solve local problems? Or how personal challenges can spark groundbreaking research? Join the conversation—email [email protected] or follow along on social media. Listen now! Subscribe, follow, comment, leave a review, and get in touch!📧 [email protected]