News and Highlights

Moving the Needle: Turning Awareness into Action for Safer Patient Care

March 24, 2025

From left, Cathy Liu, MSN, CRNA, receives an Anesthesiology Patient Safety Award from Dr. Patricia Mack

Thank you to our contributing writers Dr. Patricia Mack and Aaron Weinberg.

National Patient Safety Awareness Week is an opportunity to reflect on our shared commitment to improving patient outcomes and ensuring a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers. This year, the Center for Patient Safety (CPS) chose the theme "Moving the Needle," emphasizing the shift from awareness to meaningful action in patient safety.

In the Department of...

Study Establishes “Ball and Chain” Mechanism Inactivates Key Mammalian Ion Channel

March 4, 2025

The BK ion channel pictured above forms a small pathway in the cell membrane (dark gray) that allows potassium ions (purple) to move in and out of the cell. This channel can stop the flow of ions using a mechanism called ball-and-chain inactivation: a ball-like plug swings from the end of a flexible protein subunit (yellow), blocking the channel. Credit: Elizabeth Kim

A new study unveils a precise picture of how an ion channel found in most mammalian cells...

Dr. Crina Nimigean Receives 2025 KS Cole Award

January 17, 2025

Dr. Crina Nimigean, a professor of physiology and biophysics in anesthesiology, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Kenneth S. Cole Award from the Biophysical Society. The award recognizes Dr. Nimigean’s seminal contributions to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ion channel function, regulation, and modulation; her outstanding mentorship of young scientists; and her service to the community. Past Cole awardees include multiple Nobel prize winners, HHMI...

Moving the Needle: Turning Awareness into Action for Safer Patient Care

Study Establishes “Ball and Chain” Mechanism Inactivates Key Mammalian Ion Channel

Dr. Crina Nimigean Receives 2025 KS Cole Award

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