Ben Sajdak 🐿️
@bensajdak.bsky.social
Dad & Retina Neuro Hibernation Scientist.
Self-Improvement Hobbyist.
PhD, Director at Fauna Bio.
Disease resistance in nature 2 Disease treatments in humans.
Runner sometimes. Writer sometimes.
Oh and Basketball. 🦌🏀
Self-Improvement Hobbyist.
PhD, Director at Fauna Bio.
Disease resistance in nature 2 Disease treatments in humans.
Runner sometimes. Writer sometimes.
Oh and Basketball. 🦌🏀
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
It’s a vision party here in Iowa City! Looking forward to great talks and posters today. I heard they saved the best session for last with @shyamraji.bsky.social, me, @cubical.bsky.social and @clark-lab-retina.bsky.social, and keynote by @sabanlab.bsky.social.
Excited to be heading out to MERS in Iowa City!!
Thanks @shyamraji.bsky.social and Markus Kuehn for the invite!!
webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eig/program....
Thanks @shyamraji.bsky.social and Markus Kuehn for the invite!!
webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu/eig/program....
2025 Midwest Eye Research Symposium
The Midwest Eye Research Symposium provides an opportunity for vision researchers to present their findings and develop professional contacts.
webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu
August 8, 2025 at 11:39 AM
It’s a vision party here in Iowa City! Looking forward to great talks and posters today. I heard they saved the best session for last with @shyamraji.bsky.social, me, @cubical.bsky.social and @clark-lab-retina.bsky.social, and keynote by @sabanlab.bsky.social.
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
A major NIH grant to study ways to restore hearing was terminated by the Trump administration bc it was awarded through a DEI initiative—to a researcher who qualified bc of his own hearing loss www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/h... @manorlaboratory.bsky.social
July 29, 2025 at 12:45 PM
A major NIH grant to study ways to restore hearing was terminated by the Trump administration bc it was awarded through a DEI initiative—to a researcher who qualified bc of his own hearing loss www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/h... @manorlaboratory.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
I spoke with Jade Hindmon, host of @kpbssandiego.bsky.social Midday Edition, about the consequences of the current administration’s cuts to science funding. Please share to help spread the word and raise awareness.
www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpb...
www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpb...
Nobel laureate on how Trump's cuts are hurting science
Neuroscientist, biologist and 2021 Nobel Prize winner Ardem Patapoutian joined Midday Edition to talk about how the Trump administration's effort to cut back on science spending is impacting researche...
www.kpbs.org
June 19, 2025 at 12:27 AM
I spoke with Jade Hindmon, host of @kpbssandiego.bsky.social Midday Edition, about the consequences of the current administration’s cuts to science funding. Please share to help spread the word and raise awareness.
www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpb...
www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpb...
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
The NIH is getting most of the attention but this administration gutting funding across ALL areas of scientific research and investment, in EVERY FIELD. Say goodbye to America being a scientific and innovating leader in biology, physics, chemistry, math, etc. we’re talking 50-90% cuts to funding.
June 19, 2025 at 12:28 AM
The NIH is getting most of the attention but this administration gutting funding across ALL areas of scientific research and investment, in EVERY FIELD. Say goodbye to America being a scientific and innovating leader in biology, physics, chemistry, math, etc. we’re talking 50-90% cuts to funding.
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
~40% cuts to NIH research awards.
~35% cuts to training programs.
~27% cut to internal research.
~30% fewer grants awarded overall.
The Common Fund will be cut in half.
American science has never faced a threat like this.
www.statnews.com/2025/06/06/n... via @statnews.com
~35% cuts to training programs.
~27% cut to internal research.
~30% fewer grants awarded overall.
The Common Fund will be cut in half.
American science has never faced a threat like this.
www.statnews.com/2025/06/06/n... via @statnews.com
NIH details how Trump budget would cut support for grants, training, and research centers
President Trump's 2026 budget proposes cutting NIH grants to universities, academic medical centers, and other institutions by 43%
www.statnews.com
June 6, 2025 at 10:31 PM
~40% cuts to NIH research awards.
~35% cuts to training programs.
~27% cut to internal research.
~30% fewer grants awarded overall.
The Common Fund will be cut in half.
American science has never faced a threat like this.
www.statnews.com/2025/06/06/n... via @statnews.com
~35% cuts to training programs.
~27% cut to internal research.
~30% fewer grants awarded overall.
The Common Fund will be cut in half.
American science has never faced a threat like this.
www.statnews.com/2025/06/06/n... via @statnews.com
Moment of superior professionalism: I sat and snickered to myself after seeing the typo "NPH" instead of "NHP", while trying to picture what a non-primate human might look like. I was unable to get any other major takeaways from the presentation.
May 19, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Moment of superior professionalism: I sat and snickered to myself after seeing the typo "NPH" instead of "NHP", while trying to picture what a non-primate human might look like. I was unable to get any other major takeaways from the presentation.
Update: Actually it’s just been really nice to see everyone. Sure conversation often steers towards the bummers and uncertainties of our current administration’s attack on research. But, as others have said, “we’re trauma bonding!” and “it’ll get better, I just don’t know when.”
Antipicated small talk at the upcoming vision conference:
Hey there! How are you doing?
Not great. How about you?
Also not good. It’s a shame about those Bucks too huh?
Yes. Quite a shame.
…
Well! Take care—it was nice to see you!
Hey there! How are you doing?
Not great. How about you?
Also not good. It’s a shame about those Bucks too huh?
Yes. Quite a shame.
…
Well! Take care—it was nice to see you!
May 5, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Update: Actually it’s just been really nice to see everyone. Sure conversation often steers towards the bummers and uncertainties of our current administration’s attack on research. But, as others have said, “we’re trauma bonding!” and “it’ll get better, I just don’t know when.”
Antipicated small talk at the upcoming vision conference:
Hey there! How are you doing?
Not great. How about you?
Also not good. It’s a shame about those Bucks too huh?
Yes. Quite a shame.
…
Well! Take care—it was nice to see you!
Hey there! How are you doing?
Not great. How about you?
Also not good. It’s a shame about those Bucks too huh?
Yes. Quite a shame.
…
Well! Take care—it was nice to see you!
May 1, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Antipicated small talk at the upcoming vision conference:
Hey there! How are you doing?
Not great. How about you?
Also not good. It’s a shame about those Bucks too huh?
Yes. Quite a shame.
…
Well! Take care—it was nice to see you!
Hey there! How are you doing?
Not great. How about you?
Also not good. It’s a shame about those Bucks too huh?
Yes. Quite a shame.
…
Well! Take care—it was nice to see you!
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
Squirrels could be the key to getting us into deep space www.popsci.com/science/squi...
Squirrels could be the key to getting us into deep space
Plus, Tuberculosis helped shape the world as we know it.
www.popsci.com
March 26, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Squirrels could be the key to getting us into deep space www.popsci.com/science/squi...
Happy #squirrelappreciationday to those who celebrate! 🐿️
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day...
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day...
SQUIRREL APPRECIATION DAY - January 21
SQUIRREL APPRECIATION DAY On January 21st, Squirrel Appreciation Day recognizes a critter some consider a pest and others see as just fascinating. The creator,
www.nationaldaycalendar.com
January 21, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Happy #squirrelappreciationday to those who celebrate! 🐿️
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day...
www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day...
Co-hosting a webinar tomorrow on leveraging novel animal models for translational research at 11am EST. APS usually uploads their webinars to YouTube a few days after if you want to check it out later. www.physiology.org/detail/event...
January 13, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Co-hosting a webinar tomorrow on leveraging novel animal models for translational research at 11am EST. APS usually uploads their webinars to YouTube a few days after if you want to check it out later. www.physiology.org/detail/event...
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
I am thrilled to announce that Rich Kramer and I are co-directing a BRAND NEW hands-on visual neuroscience course at the MBL. August 1-16, 2025. Details in this flyer. Trainees please apply. And everyone, please spread the word!
December 13, 2024 at 10:12 PM
I am thrilled to announce that Rich Kramer and I are co-directing a BRAND NEW hands-on visual neuroscience course at the MBL. August 1-16, 2025. Details in this flyer. Trainees please apply. And everyone, please spread the word!
Great paper describing spiny mouse adaptations after stroke. Also convincingly showing they do not regenerate brain tissue the same way they do other organ systems.
Stroke-induced neuroplasticity in spiny mice in the absence of tissue regeneration - npj Regenerative Medicine
npj Regenerative Medicine - Stroke-induced neuroplasticity in spiny mice in the absence of tissue regeneration
www.nature.com
December 23, 2024 at 4:15 PM
Great paper describing spiny mouse adaptations after stroke. Also convincingly showing they do not regenerate brain tissue the same way they do other organ systems.
Sweet now I can get a ‘’Zelda is my therapy’ bumper sticker and know it’s backed by science.
🎮 Games for good: escaping stress
A new study shows open-world games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild can reduce stress & boost mental wellbeing
These immersive worlds provide cognitive escapism, relaxation, & a mental health boost
🔗 doi.org/10.2196/63760
#MentalHealth #Gaming #SciComm 🧪
A new study shows open-world games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild can reduce stress & boost mental wellbeing
These immersive worlds provide cognitive escapism, relaxation, & a mental health boost
🔗 doi.org/10.2196/63760
#MentalHealth #Gaming #SciComm 🧪
Open-World Games’ Affordance of Cognitive Escapism, Relaxation, and Mental Well-Being Among Postgraduate Students: Mixed Methods Study
Background: Open-world games, characterized by their expansive and interactive environments, may offer unique cognitive escapism opportunities, potentially leading to relaxation and enhanced well-bein...
doi.org
December 21, 2024 at 3:32 PM
Sweet now I can get a ‘’Zelda is my therapy’ bumper sticker and know it’s backed by science.
If you are a postdoc or junior faculty doing translational research in a unique model organism, and want to attend APS 2025 - you should apply for this travel award we made just for you! Deadline Jan 6th.
www.physiology.org/professional...
www.physiology.org/professional...
FaunaBio Translational Research Award
www.physiology.org
December 18, 2024 at 8:59 PM
If you are a postdoc or junior faculty doing translational research in a unique model organism, and want to attend APS 2025 - you should apply for this travel award we made just for you! Deadline Jan 6th.
www.physiology.org/professional...
www.physiology.org/professional...
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
Out today in IOVS @arvoinfo.bsky.social
Neuroscience student Fei Shang's first publication
density and distribution of vessels in the healthy retinal circulation
doi.org/10.1167/iovs.65.14.3
@cvsuor.bsky.social
@urneuroscience.bsky.social @flaumeye.bsky.social
Neuroscience student Fei Shang's first publication
density and distribution of vessels in the healthy retinal circulation
doi.org/10.1167/iovs.65.14.3
@cvsuor.bsky.social
@urneuroscience.bsky.social @flaumeye.bsky.social
December 2, 2024 at 4:17 PM
Out today in IOVS @arvoinfo.bsky.social
Neuroscience student Fei Shang's first publication
density and distribution of vessels in the healthy retinal circulation
doi.org/10.1167/iovs.65.14.3
@cvsuor.bsky.social
@urneuroscience.bsky.social @flaumeye.bsky.social
Neuroscience student Fei Shang's first publication
density and distribution of vessels in the healthy retinal circulation
doi.org/10.1167/iovs.65.14.3
@cvsuor.bsky.social
@urneuroscience.bsky.social @flaumeye.bsky.social
Not sure if there are sports here. But holy moly what a bunch of crazy NFL games today 🤯
November 24, 2024 at 9:18 PM
Not sure if there are sports here. But holy moly what a bunch of crazy NFL games today 🤯
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
How 😎 is this? My lab members bought me a puzzle for my birthday...and it's an #adaptiveoptics #AOSLO image of my retina! We all worked on it today, but I got to work on the foveolar cones.
November 19, 2024 at 2:06 AM
How 😎 is this? My lab members bought me a puzzle for my birthday...and it's an #adaptiveoptics #AOSLO image of my retina! We all worked on it today, but I got to work on the foveolar cones.
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
Terrific piece summarizing a recent report: Every dollar of NIH research funding doubles in economic returns
www.fiercebiotech.com/research/rep...
www.fiercebiotech.com/research/rep...
Report: Every dollar of NIH research funding doubles in economic returns
Research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) generated $2.46 in economic activity for every $1 of funding in 2023, a total of $92.9 billion, according to an
www.fiercebiotech.com
November 17, 2024 at 1:05 PM
Terrific piece summarizing a recent report: Every dollar of NIH research funding doubles in economic returns
www.fiercebiotech.com/research/rep...
www.fiercebiotech.com/research/rep...
I second that, absolutely foundational to my career. I was lucky enough to go in 2015, and my "certificate of survival" is one of my favorite office decorations. You'll learn a lot of great stuff, but connections made will last a lifetime! The instructors and speakers for 2025 are amazing. Do it!
CSHL Vision course (bio one, not comp one) is accepting applications through March 1! I took this course in 2019 and it was absolutely foundational to my career, cannot recommend it enough. Happy to answer questions.
Amazing list of speakers, including me!
meetings.cshl.edu/courses.aspx...
Amazing list of speakers, including me!
meetings.cshl.edu/courses.aspx...
Vision: A Platform for Linking Circuits, Behavior & Perception
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Meetings & Courses -- a private, non-profit institution with research programs in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, genomics, bioinformatics.
meetings.cshl.edu
November 20, 2024 at 10:38 PM
I second that, absolutely foundational to my career. I was lucky enough to go in 2015, and my "certificate of survival" is one of my favorite office decorations. You'll learn a lot of great stuff, but connections made will last a lifetime! The instructors and speakers for 2025 are amazing. Do it!
I'm starting to lose a sense of how to use social media. But it is interesting to get all these followers within a few weeks just by association to the scientific community. Excited to check this periodically now that all these great people are here!
November 20, 2024 at 10:28 PM
I'm starting to lose a sense of how to use social media. But it is interesting to get all these followers within a few weeks just by association to the scientific community. Excited to check this periodically now that all these great people are here!
We're hiring several positions at Fauna Bio! If you're interested in a job to help translate disease resistance adaptations to human therapeutics, reach out! Tell your friends! www.faunabio.com/careers
December 6, 2023 at 3:36 PM
We're hiring several positions at Fauna Bio! If you're interested in a job to help translate disease resistance adaptations to human therapeutics, reach out! Tell your friends! www.faunabio.com/careers
Reposted by Ben Sajdak 🐿️
Our latest manuscript on comparative transcriptomics of torpor is out. In this we use an integrated analytic pipeline to identify evolutionarily conserved gene expression patterns in both heat and cold-induced torpor.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
December 4, 2023 at 1:42 PM
Our latest manuscript on comparative transcriptomics of torpor is out. In this we use an integrated analytic pipeline to identify evolutionarily conserved gene expression patterns in both heat and cold-induced torpor.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
🎶 I don't wanna work, I just wanna stare at the new Sonoma screen savers all day. 🎶
December 4, 2023 at 8:16 PM
🎶 I don't wanna work, I just wanna stare at the new Sonoma screen savers all day. 🎶