Sign in

Ben Hogan

@benjhogan.bsky.social
671 followers 428 following 41 posts

Cell & Developmental Biology. Vascular Biology. Lymphatics. Zebrafish. Associate Director of Laboratory Research at Peter Mac Cancer Centre. Professor at The University of Melbourne.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Ben Hogan
@NicoliLab @nicolilab.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
So grateful and excited to begin this new research journey! Congratulations to all past and current lab members whose creativity made these ideas possible!! @yaleschoolofmed.bsky.social @yalecvrc.bsky.social @yalerna.bsky.social @yalegenetics.bsky.social medicine.yale.edu/news-article...
medicine.yale.edu
Nicoli Wins NIH Pioneer Award to Develop a New Kind of mRNA Therapy
Nicoli’s lab discovered mRNA that changes how proteins behave. Now she wants to turn it into medicine, starting with diseases of the blood vessels.
8499
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Jovana Maksimovic @jovmaksimovic.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Gene fusions drive ~16% of all cancers & 50-70% of childhood ALL. But standard scRNA-seq can't see them — the assays aren't built to capture fusion breakpoints. We built a way to fix that. @aliciao.bsky.social @sadras-t.bsky.social @petermaccc.bsky.social @onjcri.org.au @10xgenomics.bsky.social 🧵
1169
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Kaska Koltowska @lymphaticslab.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Proud to share our new paper in EMBO Reports! 🧬 How does a cell "decide" to become lymphatic vs blood endothelium? Turns out it's not just which genes switch on — it's how the genome folds around them. 💥 link.springer.com/content/pdf/... #Lymphatics #Zebrafish #DevBio #VascularBiology #Genomics
The topologically associating domains (TADs) and chromatin accessibility of lymphatic endothelial cells diverge from those of blood endothelial cells. These differences underlie the activation of LEC-specific regulatory networks governing cell identity and involving genes linked to lymphatic disease.
24016
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre @petermaccc.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Congratulations to Peter Mac Clinician Scientist @shomgoel.bsky.social on receiving the 2026 Robert Sutherland Award for Excellence in Translational Research from @bctrials.bsky.social. More: www.petermac.org/about-us/new...
031
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre @petermaccc.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A “precision guided” CAR T-cell therapy designed at Peter Mac to kill solid tumours will progress to a first-in-human clinical trial thanks to almost $18 million from @ausgov. More: www.petermac.org/about-us/new... #CARTCellTherapy #Immunotherapy
163
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Australian Academy of Science @science.org.au · 09/06/2026
Despite a long history of world-leading discoveries, Australia's science system is going backwards – at the very moment the rest of the world is moving forward, fast. That's why we've launched BACK AUSTRALIA'S ABILITY, a call to every Australian to do exactly that.
1148
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Just a few months to IVBM in Australia! Come down and enjoy great science, food, beaches, wine and company. Time to register now at ivbm2026.com
0118
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Reese Richardson @reeserichardson.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
The Thermo Fisher situation keeps getting worse. We've now collected 450+ problematic images presented as verification data in TF's antibody catalog. This includes: 🖌️ Dozens more images with duplications or painting 🖨️ Hundreds of blots that all share the same background (behold slideshow below)
18590367
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Liz Christie @drlizchristie.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
🚨 We’re hiring! We’re looking for a Research Assistant / Junior Postdoc to join the Christie Lab at @petermaccc.bsky.social Ideally the candidate will have experience in analysis of single cell/nuclei RNA sequencing, and be capable of developing bioinformatics workflows and statistical analysis.
136
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Final version of our paper on zebrafish pericytes and BBB function is now out in Elife! Congrats to Oz the first author and all contributors. elifesciences.org/articles/104...
elifesciences.org
Mural cells protect the adult brain from hemorrhage but do not control the blood–brain barrier in developing zebrafish
Pericytes regulate cerebrovascular development, while vascular smooth muscle cells prevent hemorrhage and blood–brain barrier breakdown at vascular hotspots in juvenile and adult zebrafish.
0247
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Beyond time that we started seeing articles like this about the appalling state of Australia’s grant funding system……and peer review is just one problem that needs fixing. Australia’s erosion of peer review | Science www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
science.org
Australia’s erosion of peer review
Throughout the world, peer review serves as the cornerstone of the scientific enterprise, providing rigorous quality control and building the confidence that underpins progress for both science and so...
12113
Reposted by Ben Hogan
ARC Tracker @arc-tracker.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Another Budget week gone &, overall, I'd say Australian research is worse off than last week. Maybe medical research is a bit better off. CSIRO's on slightly firmer footing ("but we'll sack everyone anyway"). University-based research? "Research translation"? Stuffed. No $. No plan. No research.
12910
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Johanna Joyce @johannajoyce.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Very excited to take on a new role as Co-Director of the Department of Fundamental Oncology at UNIL, w/ my wonderful colleague Tatiana Petrova as Director - looking forward to support ambitious science, strengthen translational collaborations & help train the next generations of cancer researchers!
unil.ch
A new leadership duo for the Unil Department of Fundamental Oncology
The Unil Department of Fundamental Oncology announces a new governance structure with Prof. Tatiana V. Petrova appointed Director and Prof. Johanna A. Joyce appointed Co-Director, marking a key milest...
0294
Reposted by Ben Hogan
James Gagnon @james-gagnon.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Using light-activated CRISPR in zebrafish, we triggered synchronized DNA breaks and track the repair process. ⚡🐟⚡ 

 Well ... DNA repair is very different in embryos compared to tissue culture cells. Embryos repair DNA breaks incredibly fast - within minutes! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
A cartoon showing how a caged guide RNA poises CRISPR cleavage until release by light. Below, a cartoon of injection of "light-activated CRISPR" into the embryo, followed by activation.
211240
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Mel Eckersley-Maslin @meleckmas.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Delighted to share the lab's latest led by superstar Janith and funded by @snowmedical.bsky.social. What happens when embryonic factors are reawakened in cancers? We uncovered how DPPA2/4 amplify chromatin states in non-small cell lung cancer 🧬🔬🧪 genesdev.cshlp.org/content/earl... Tutorial 👇 (1/8)
genesdev.cshlp.org
Embryonic stem cell factors DPPA2/4 amplify active H3K4me3–H2AK119ub chromatin domains in non-small cell lung cancer
A biweekly scientific journal publishing high-quality research in molecular biology and genetics, cancer biology, biochemistry, and related fields
13115
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
….no surprise at all! www.timeout.com/melbourne/ne...
timeout.com
BREAKING: Melbourne has been crowned the best city in the world for 2026
After coming fourth in 2025, Melbourne has climbed to the top of Time Out's annual global list.
040
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Congratulations!🙌
121
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Journal of Experimental Medicine @jem.org · 04/03/2026
Amyloidosis of bridging veins is a pathologic feature of #Alzheimers disease, from @leonsmyth.bsky.social, Rupal Mehta, @jonykipnis.bsky.social et al. rupress.org/jem/article/... 📘 In our #Lymphatics collection: rupress.org/jem/collecti...
0175
Reposted by Ben Hogan
A/Prof Sam Stehbens PhD (She/Her) @samstehbens.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
All the feels tonight for the Australian biomedical research sector #nhmrc
073
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Dr Shane Huntington OAM @drshanerrr.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
NHMRC Investigator Grants out today. A devastating day for many. I have already received messages from some of the best researchers I know who have missed out. The senior levels had a cutoff of 5.93 (females), 6.2 (males) - according to my sources. The impact will be wide spread.
1127
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Beautiful work Li-Kun!
051
Reposted by Ben Hogan
ARC Tracker @arc-tracker.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
We are a rich enough country to be funding 37% of all basic research proposals, not just considering "the best" 37% and then maybe only funding 12% in the end.
A man standing up in a crowded room of people sitting. He is dressed in workman's clothes and has his head raised as if speaking up when not necessarily belonging there.
321007163
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute @victorchang.edu.au · 26/02/2026
Australia has incredible talent, but without sustained investment and long‑term certainty, we risk losing both people and progress. Supporting medical research isn’t optional — it’s essential for better health outcomes and future prosperity. www.theaustralian.com.au/health/medic...
043
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
This is going to be awesome! Can’t wait.
022
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Charles Bayly-Jones @charlesbj.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
I’ve officially started my lab at Monash University! 🎉 We’re diving into #cellgrowth and #lysosome biology, through the lens of molecular #structure and mechanism. I’m thrilled to say that PhD student scholarships are available—so please share widely and get in touch if you’re interested. 🤩
43616
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Thanks!!
010
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre @petermaccc.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Two Peter Mac researchers have secured $3.5M+ in MRFF funding for projects to improve recovery after cancer surgery and to advance personalised care for a rare type of ovarian cancer. Read more: www.petermac.org/about-us/new...
063
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Our preprint on mural cells and the zebrafish blood brain barrier is now revised with new data and analysis www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
biorxiv.org
0172
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Dr Monique Ryan @mon4kooyong.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Right now, the Government is starving medical research of full funding, even as it claims that science and research are national priorities. If our leaders truly value science as much as they say, then they must back their words with action—and fund it properly. Join the campaign!
moniqueryan.com.au
Medical Research Matters
410145
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Thanks Rui!
000
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre @petermaccc.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
New research led by Prof @benjhogan.bsky.social has revealed a surprising evolutionary switch in the brain’s immune system - uncovering how specialised immune cells at the borders of the brain evolved, and why they behave so differently in humans. More: www.petermac.org/about-us/new...
0132
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Cheers mate !
010
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Thanks Seb!
000
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Thanks!
010
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Thanks! Was great to meet last week in Singapore!
010
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Thanks Leon!
000
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Was great to catch up! Thanks and will do..
010
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Not sure, but there should be good conservation of the immune cell types….
010
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Cheers
000
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Thanks Brett
010
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Thanks mate!
000
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Thanks!
010
Ben Hogan @benjhogan.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
We’re delighted to see this out today! Latest work from the lab reveals insights into the evolution of brain immunity and the developmental and evolutionary plasticity of lymphatic endothelial cells. www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Convergent evolution of scavenger cell development at brain borders - Nature
Transcription factor osr2 is identified as a specific marker and regulator of mural lymphatic endothelial cell (muLEC) differentiation and maintenance, and muLECs and border-associated macrophages sha...
137625
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Dr Monique Ryan @mon4kooyong.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
The government can’t claim that medical research is a priority while failing to treat it as one. Nine in 10 leading researchers in Australia are missing out on government support for world‑class proposals, leaving exceptional talent uncertain about their future.
theage.com.au
Most researchers miss out on innovation grants while medical fund sits on $25b
Nine in 10 Australian researchers had their “ideas grant” applications rejected last year, even as Australia’s medical investment fund sits on $5 billion more than it was designed to hold.
210748
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Dr Monique Ryan @mon4kooyong.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
Medical research matters! Australian scientists are making potentially lifesaving breakthroughs into the molecular mechanisms of brain tumours - discoveries with potential for commercialisation and global uptake. We should support them better via the MRFF and NHMRC.
theage.com.au
Mark’s deadly cancer will come back. Now scientists know why
When Mark Norris finished his cancer treatment, there was nothing doctors could do except wait for it to return. The father of two says that’s not good enough.
57818
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Dr Monique Ryan @mon4kooyong.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Australia’s medical and scientific research sectors save lives and are vital to our economy. The government has to step up and lean in to their potential. It’s small-minded and short-sighted to force them to wither on the vine, when we have money put aside for this purpose in the Future Fund.
24819
Reposted by Ben Hogan
ARC Tracker @arc-tracker.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
“This feels like yet another attack on our research community that is already under siege” Senator @davidpocock.bsky.social has issued a media release about the ARC's proposed restructure and job cuts 👇
Black text on white background underneath the Australian coat of arms at the top. Larger text near the top says "SENATOR DAVID POCOCK", "MEDIA RELEASE" and the headline in the largest print says "ARC RESTRUCTURE RISKS JOBS"?.
13625
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Natalia Sampaio @drnatsampaio.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
An abismal 8% success rate for this year’s #NHMRC #IdeasGrant scheme. Must be an all time low. Congratulations to those successful, you really earned it! Commiserations to the NINETY TWO percent of applicants who didn’t get it… #australianresearch #discoveriesneeddollars 🥼🧪🔬🧫 🇦🇺
4254
Reposted by Ben Hogan
adamezracohen.bsky.social @adamezracohen.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
When a larval zebrafish twitches its tail, the vascular endothelium lights up with a calcium signal, mediated by Piezo1. We used to think mechanosensing in endothelial cells was about sensing blood flow, but at least in this case it's about sensing body motion.
12414
Reposted by Ben Hogan
Mel Eckersley-Maslin @meleckmas.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) funds medical research in Australia. Only half the funds have been released. If you're an Australian and able to vote please use the form below to email your local MP to release the full amount of the MRFF aamri.org.au/mrff/
aamri.org.au
Half the Funding. Half the Future. - AAMRI
The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) was designed to deliver $1 billion each year in new, lifesaving funding for medical research. We know through financial modelling that the full amount can be re...
077