FULL EPISODE: Hack Your Brain While You Sleep - February 20, 2026

The show opens with astrophysics professor Jesse Rogerson covering these science news stories: Astronomers detect a solar system they say should not be possible; The simple habit that can significantly ease depression and anxiety; Scientists found a way to plant ideas in dreams to boost creativity; and Deer create mysterious ultraviolet signals that glow in forests. Psychiatry professor Jared W. Young explains how cannabis use is associated with better decision-making skills in people with bipolar disorder. For Vet Talk – which David confusingly also calls Pet Talk – veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford talks about how he recently prescribed a dog a tiny blue pill and why. (Yes, that tiny blue pill.) Cliff then covers these animal news stories: How parents likely talked you into antipathy toward snakes at an early age; and Pets can be silent witnesses and offer a fur-ensic tale. Criminal Justice professor Justin Patchin from the Cyberbullying Research Center shares details of his new sexting study revealing an "alarming" reality for young people who share explicit images. Marketing professor Mathieu Lajante describes what dating apps are really optimizing for. (Hint: it isn't love.) Management professor Jeremy Beus reveals how pay differences among top NBA performers can erode their cooperation. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:19) Jesse Rogerson pt. 1 (10:00) Jesse Rogerson pt. 2 (20:00) Jared W. Young (30:00) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 1 (39:50) Dr. Cliff Redford pt. 2 (49:50) Justin Patchin (59:50) Mathieu Lajante (1:09:50) Jeremy Beus (1:19:07) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices