Rob Mullins (he/him)
@choroidlab.bsky.social
Cell biology, aging, vasculature, choroid, retina, just enough omics to be dangerous.
Peace and love, friends.
Peace and love, friends.
I was born around the time of the release of the Sgt. Pepper's album. Then about 30 years ago my brother bought me this cap celebrating the 1967 NHL expansion (including my hometown St Louis Blues!) and with my birth year.
Now suddenly this hat has found its moment in the Gen alpha Zeitgeist.
Now suddenly this hat has found its moment in the Gen alpha Zeitgeist.
November 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM
I was born around the time of the release of the Sgt. Pepper's album. Then about 30 years ago my brother bought me this cap celebrating the 1967 NHL expansion (including my hometown St Louis Blues!) and with my birth year.
Now suddenly this hat has found its moment in the Gen alpha Zeitgeist.
Now suddenly this hat has found its moment in the Gen alpha Zeitgeist.
Yo hoping to get some calibration.
People who organize meetings, and you use an app, how much should that cost?
People who organize meetings, and you use an app, how much should that cost?
November 14, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Yo hoping to get some calibration.
People who organize meetings, and you use an app, how much should that cost?
People who organize meetings, and you use an app, how much should that cost?
My AI Qualtrics survey answer:
OK, I'm a dinosaur, but look. I am very concerned about how ChatGTP etc are going to affect classroom assignments. If the students are going to write their reports with AI, why should I have to use my actual brain to grade that stuff?...
OK, I'm a dinosaur, but look. I am very concerned about how ChatGTP etc are going to affect classroom assignments. If the students are going to write their reports with AI, why should I have to use my actual brain to grade that stuff?...
November 3, 2025 at 9:53 PM
My AI Qualtrics survey answer:
OK, I'm a dinosaur, but look. I am very concerned about how ChatGTP etc are going to affect classroom assignments. If the students are going to write their reports with AI, why should I have to use my actual brain to grade that stuff?...
OK, I'm a dinosaur, but look. I am very concerned about how ChatGTP etc are going to affect classroom assignments. If the students are going to write their reports with AI, why should I have to use my actual brain to grade that stuff?...
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Thinking we should make some monoclonal antibodies so wondering what experiences people have had with different companies, as it's not going to be cheap so want to get our moneys worth?
October 2, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Thinking we should make some monoclonal antibodies so wondering what experiences people have had with different companies, as it's not going to be cheap so want to get our moneys worth?
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
New paper from the lab! In collaboration with Patrice Tankam lab at Indiana University, we evaluated changes in the Descemet's membrane thickness in the double mutant FECD mice. Congrats to the co-first authors Hadiya Pattan and Subashree Murugan!
iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
Enabling In Vivo Longitudinal Evaluation of Descemet's Membrane Thickness in Wild-type and FECD Mice Using Self-Referenced Optical Coherence Microscopy | IOVS | ARVO Journals
iovs.arvojournals.org
September 26, 2025 at 2:16 PM
New paper from the lab! In collaboration with Patrice Tankam lab at Indiana University, we evaluated changes in the Descemet's membrane thickness in the double mutant FECD mice. Congrats to the co-first authors Hadiya Pattan and Subashree Murugan!
iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
Vision Science Folks!
Time is running out to nominate a worthy colleague for an @iser.bsky.social International Prize!
Deadline for the Balasz, Bárány, and Kayser awards is September 8! Get nominatin'!
iser.org/page/Awards_...
Time is running out to nominate a worthy colleague for an @iser.bsky.social International Prize!
Deadline for the Balasz, Bárány, and Kayser awards is September 8! Get nominatin'!
iser.org/page/Awards_...
Awards & Prizes - International Society for Eye Research ISER
The 2025 nomination period for the von Sallmann Prize will open October 1, 2025.
iser.org
September 3, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Vision Science Folks!
Time is running out to nominate a worthy colleague for an @iser.bsky.social International Prize!
Deadline for the Balasz, Bárány, and Kayser awards is September 8! Get nominatin'!
iser.org/page/Awards_...
Time is running out to nominate a worthy colleague for an @iser.bsky.social International Prize!
Deadline for the Balasz, Bárány, and Kayser awards is September 8! Get nominatin'!
iser.org/page/Awards_...
So the lab now has 7 big freezers (mostly tissue storage).
When I had 4 they were named after the Beatles, but once I got past 4 I named them after kaiju in the Godzillaverse - Godzilla (obvs), Rodan, Mothra, etc.
Well we got a new small one which we named Minilla and he is so disturbing.
When I had 4 they were named after the Beatles, but once I got past 4 I named them after kaiju in the Godzillaverse - Godzilla (obvs), Rodan, Mothra, etc.
Well we got a new small one which we named Minilla and he is so disturbing.
August 16, 2025 at 3:02 PM
So the lab now has 7 big freezers (mostly tissue storage).
When I had 4 they were named after the Beatles, but once I got past 4 I named them after kaiju in the Godzillaverse - Godzilla (obvs), Rodan, Mothra, etc.
Well we got a new small one which we named Minilla and he is so disturbing.
When I had 4 they were named after the Beatles, but once I got past 4 I named them after kaiju in the Godzillaverse - Godzilla (obvs), Rodan, Mothra, etc.
Well we got a new small one which we named Minilla and he is so disturbing.
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Started using Fiji to estimate apartment sizes from Zillow images. Being a tall fella, you gotta prep for these things.
I am told this is "On Brand"
I am told this is "On Brand"
July 25, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Started using Fiji to estimate apartment sizes from Zillow images. Being a tall fella, you gotta prep for these things.
I am told this is "On Brand"
I am told this is "On Brand"
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
It’s incredibly hard to express what Professor Pete Coffey meant to so many of us. The Macular Society has written a beautiful tribute to Pete and I'm honoured to have contributed a few words.
Thank you, my friend, for so many happy days.
www.macularsociety.org/about/media/...
Thank you, my friend, for so many happy days.
www.macularsociety.org/about/media/...
Tributes paid to pioneering eye researcher Professor Pete Coffey
Tributes have been paid to one of the world’s top eye researchers, Professor Pete Coffey, who has sadly passed away after a long illness.
www.macularsociety.org
July 7, 2025 at 3:51 PM
It’s incredibly hard to express what Professor Pete Coffey meant to so many of us. The Macular Society has written a beautiful tribute to Pete and I'm honoured to have contributed a few words.
Thank you, my friend, for so many happy days.
www.macularsociety.org/about/media/...
Thank you, my friend, for so many happy days.
www.macularsociety.org/about/media/...
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
High altitude species have reduced olfactory receptor repertoires! The reduction has happened repeatedly throughout mammals.
Why?
We're not sure, but perhaps because there are fewer things to smell above the tree line!
authors.elsevier.com/c/1lJxH3QW8S...
Why?
We're not sure, but perhaps because there are fewer things to smell above the tree line!
authors.elsevier.com/c/1lJxH3QW8S...
July 3, 2025 at 4:12 PM
High altitude species have reduced olfactory receptor repertoires! The reduction has happened repeatedly throughout mammals.
Why?
We're not sure, but perhaps because there are fewer things to smell above the tree line!
authors.elsevier.com/c/1lJxH3QW8S...
Why?
We're not sure, but perhaps because there are fewer things to smell above the tree line!
authors.elsevier.com/c/1lJxH3QW8S...
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Here is a cool post for #MicroscopyMonday.
Here's a 3D visualization from my recent project using #SP8 confocal #microscopy.
Red = DAPI nuclear staining
Green = Photoreceptor transduction via AAV serotypes with reporter/ #biosensor genes
This image shows successful targeting of photoreceptors.
Here's a 3D visualization from my recent project using #SP8 confocal #microscopy.
Red = DAPI nuclear staining
Green = Photoreceptor transduction via AAV serotypes with reporter/ #biosensor genes
This image shows successful targeting of photoreceptors.
June 23, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Here is a cool post for #MicroscopyMonday.
Here's a 3D visualization from my recent project using #SP8 confocal #microscopy.
Red = DAPI nuclear staining
Green = Photoreceptor transduction via AAV serotypes with reporter/ #biosensor genes
This image shows successful targeting of photoreceptors.
Here's a 3D visualization from my recent project using #SP8 confocal #microscopy.
Red = DAPI nuclear staining
Green = Photoreceptor transduction via AAV serotypes with reporter/ #biosensor genes
This image shows successful targeting of photoreceptors.
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
It’s been a weird, unproductive week at the lab and I’m feeling a little down. So here are 10 cool facts about vision:
June 21, 2025 at 4:09 AM
It’s been a weird, unproductive week at the lab and I’m feeling a little down. So here are 10 cool facts about vision:
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
On Sunday I will cycle 50 km to raise money to support research to prevent blindness. If you can, please sponsor me! fightingblindness.akaraisin.com/ui/MOVEFORSI...
fightingblindness.akaraisin.com
June 20, 2025 at 5:37 PM
On Sunday I will cycle 50 km to raise money to support research to prevent blindness. If you can, please sponsor me! fightingblindness.akaraisin.com/ui/MOVEFORSI...
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Now that it is official, I am pleased to announce that the Shyam lab will relocate to the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Iowa, effective August 2025. I cannot remember ever being this excited about a new chapter in my professional life!
June 17, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Now that it is official, I am pleased to announce that the Shyam lab will relocate to the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Iowa, effective August 2025. I cannot remember ever being this excited about a new chapter in my professional life!
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
For those using Notion. What are the pros and cons? Seems a lot of labs use Notion for lab and project management.
June 13, 2025 at 11:33 PM
For those using Notion. What are the pros and cons? Seems a lot of labs use Notion for lab and project management.
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Happy to share our collaborative work showing a switch in integrin signaling in young versus old primary human trabecular meshwork cells. a5 integrin expression is lost in old cells, while avb5 becomes activated. iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
Age-Related Dysregulation of α5β1 and αvβ3 Integrin Activity Alters Contractile Properties of Trabecular Meshwork Cells | IOVS | ARVO Journals
iovs.arvojournals.org
June 9, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Happy to share our collaborative work showing a switch in integrin signaling in young versus old primary human trabecular meshwork cells. a5 integrin expression is lost in old cells, while avb5 becomes activated. iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Don’t Miss Out! Submit your abstract before NEXT TUESDAY MAY 27th to ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium and be part of an inspiring research community. At least 30 TRAVEL FELLOWSHIPS guaranteed. Can’t get it if you don’t apply!
Submission: https://iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org/abstract-submission/
Submission: https://iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org/abstract-submission/
May 23, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Don’t Miss Out! Submit your abstract before NEXT TUESDAY MAY 27th to ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium and be part of an inspiring research community. At least 30 TRAVEL FELLOWSHIPS guaranteed. Can’t get it if you don’t apply!
Submission: https://iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org/abstract-submission/
Submission: https://iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org/abstract-submission/
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
📣 TRAVEL GRANTS AVAILABLE for trainees and young investigators! Deadline: May 26
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium & Fast Track with the support of a travel grant! @iser.bsky.social @brightfocus.bsky.social
👉 iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org/abstract-sub...
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium & Fast Track with the support of a travel grant! @iser.bsky.social @brightfocus.bsky.social
👉 iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org/abstract-sub...
Abstract Submission – Iser/Bright Focus Glaucoma Symposium
iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org
May 23, 2025 at 1:57 AM
📣 TRAVEL GRANTS AVAILABLE for trainees and young investigators! Deadline: May 26
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium & Fast Track with the support of a travel grant! @iser.bsky.social @brightfocus.bsky.social
👉 iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org/abstract-sub...
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the ISER/BrightFocus Glaucoma Symposium & Fast Track with the support of a travel grant! @iser.bsky.social @brightfocus.bsky.social
👉 iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org/abstract-sub...
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Vision science students/early-career faculty: Get yer
@iser.bsky.social travel awards for the 5th ISER/ @brightfocus.bsky.social Foundation Glaucoma Symposium (October 8-11th at the Emory Conference Center and Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, USA). iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org
@iser.bsky.social travel awards for the 5th ISER/ @brightfocus.bsky.social Foundation Glaucoma Symposium (October 8-11th at the Emory Conference Center and Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, USA). iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org
Iser/Bright Focus Glaucoma Symposium – Iser/Bright Focus Glaucoma Symposium – Atlanta, October 2025
iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org
May 16, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Vision science students/early-career faculty: Get yer
@iser.bsky.social travel awards for the 5th ISER/ @brightfocus.bsky.social Foundation Glaucoma Symposium (October 8-11th at the Emory Conference Center and Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, USA). iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org
@iser.bsky.social travel awards for the 5th ISER/ @brightfocus.bsky.social Foundation Glaucoma Symposium (October 8-11th at the Emory Conference Center and Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, USA). iserbrightfocusglaucoma.org
You know it's serious when I have to put this sign on the door
May 16, 2025 at 5:49 PM
You know it's serious when I have to put this sign on the door
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
It was great fun to write this review together with @katrinfranke.bsky.social and @serenariccitelli.bsky.social on behavior-specific computations in the moose retina.
65 years after Lettvin’s bug detector neurons in the frog retina, we revisit how the retina drives behavior—from reflexes to prey capture to brain-state modulation
New review with @annaintegrated.bsky.social & @serenariccitelli.bsky.social in Annual Review of Vision Science 👇
tinyurl.com/ymp3vs4d
New review with @annaintegrated.bsky.social & @serenariccitelli.bsky.social in Annual Review of Vision Science 👇
tinyurl.com/ymp3vs4d
May 16, 2025 at 3:25 AM
It was great fun to write this review together with @katrinfranke.bsky.social and @serenariccitelli.bsky.social on behavior-specific computations in the moose retina.
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Vision Science peeps: Travel awards are available for students and early-career faculty to attend the #RD2025 International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (September 15-119th at the Clarion Congress Hotel in Prague).
I'll look forward to seeing you there.
rdsymposium.com/travelawards/
I'll look forward to seeing you there.
rdsymposium.com/travelawards/
Travel Award – RD Meeting
rdsymposium.com
May 16, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Vision Science peeps: Travel awards are available for students and early-career faculty to attend the #RD2025 International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (September 15-119th at the Clarion Congress Hotel in Prague).
I'll look forward to seeing you there.
rdsymposium.com/travelawards/
I'll look forward to seeing you there.
rdsymposium.com/travelawards/
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Sharing another beautiful image of a #Gallus gallus ( #chicken ) #retina, stained with various markers, taken by me for #FluorescenceFriday
What better way to start a Friday.
Retina is a beauty.
What better way to start a Friday.
Retina is a beauty.
May 16, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Sharing another beautiful image of a #Gallus gallus ( #chicken ) #retina, stained with various markers, taken by me for #FluorescenceFriday
What better way to start a Friday.
Retina is a beauty.
What better way to start a Friday.
Retina is a beauty.
Reposted by Rob Mullins (he/him)
Christine Curcio and Cynthia Owsley receive the Proctor medal at ARVO 2025
May 5, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Christine Curcio and Cynthia Owsley receive the Proctor medal at ARVO 2025