Latest news with #plasma
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Space photo of the week: Pink 'raindrops' on the sun captured in greatest detail ever
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Quick facts What it is: The sun's corona Where it is: The outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere. When it was shared: May 27, 2025 Solar "raindrops" — plasma streams and vast arches extending outward from the sun's surface and into the corona, the outermost part of the solar atmosphere — have been captured in spectacular new detail by a ground-based telescope in California. Among the images taken from time-lapse movies, which utilize new technology to eliminate blurring caused by Earth's atmosphere, is coronal rain, a phenomenon that occurs when cooling plasma condenses and falls back toward the sun's surface along magnetic field lines. Other features imaged include prominences — the term solar physicists use to describe the arches and loops — and finely structured plasma streams. The images are artificially colorized from the hydrogen-alpha light captured by the telescope, making them appear pink. The remarkable images, taken by researchers from the U.S. National Science Foundation's National Solar Observatory and New Jersey Institute of Technology, were published this week in a paper in the journal Nature. "These are by far the most detailed observations of this kind, showing features not previously observed, and it's not quite clear what they are," Vasyl Yurchyshyn, co-author of the study and a research professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, said in a statement. The researchers captured the new images using the 1.6-meter Goode Solar Telescope at the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) in California, equipped with a new technology called Cona, which employs a laser to correct for turbulence in Earth's upper atmosphere. Related: NASA spacecraft snaps eerie image of eclipsed sun with an extra moon overhead. What's going on? Cona is "like a pumped-up autofocus" for the sky, Nicolas Gorceix, chief observer at BBSO, said in the statement. It's a form of adaptive optics that works by measuring, and then adapting in real-time to, atmospheric distortions, reshaping a special mirror 2,200 times per second. Turbulence in Earth's upper atmosphere has always been a limiting factor when studying the sun, but Cona increases the resolution of what can be observed, from features over 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) wide to just 63 km (39 miles). SEE MORE SPACE PHOTOS —Violent galaxies seen 'jousting' near the dawn of time —Cotton candy clouds shine in one of Hubble's most beautiful images ever —Bizarre 1-armed spiral galaxy stuns Hubble scientists The sun's corona, which means crown, is one of the most mysterious places in the solar system. This outer layer of the sun's atmosphere is blocked from view by the brighter photosphere — the sun's surface — and is only visible briefly to the naked eye during a total solar eclipse. That also applies to prominences, which can be seen during totality as reddish-pink arches and loops. Despite its tenuous nature, the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the photosphere. It's of critical interest to solar scientists because it's in the corona that the solar wind originates. This constant stream of charged particles then radiates throughout the solar system, interacting with planetary atmospheres (including Earth's) to cause geomagnetic storms and auroras. Following the successful test of Cona, plans are underway to install it on the 4-meter Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope in Maui, Hawaii, the world's largest solar telescope.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern lights could dance across the sky over Greater Akron on Sunday and Monday nights
There's a Geomagnetic Storm Watch in effect for Sunday and Monday. So what does that mean for Greater Akron? Something pretty darn cool. The Space Weather Prediction Center says there's a pretty good likelihood that a severe geomagnetic storm caused by plasma and magnetic fields erupting from the sun will hit the Earth this weekend. As of late Saturday afternoon, May 31, the agency says the storm has reached an intensity of G4 on a scale of 5. This means there's a chance that Greater Akron might be able to see a rare sight in the sky. Past storms of this magnitude have resulted in the northern lights − also called aurora borealis − being visible to the naked eye farther south like Greater Akron. "The aurora may become visible over much of the northern half of the country, and maybe as far south as Alabama to Northern California," NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said. The best chance to view the celestial sight, forecasters say, in Greater Akron will be within an hour or two of midnight on Sunday night, June 1. There is a chance for a second appearance in the skies over Greater Akron on Monday night, June 2, too. To catch a glimpse of the northern lights, the center recommends that you find a spot that is very dark and away from streetlights. Look north for what appears to be waves of greenish and red colorful streaks of light in the northern sky. You can also point your cell phone − flashlight off − toward the northern sky to catch the phenomenon. And the biggest obstacle − clouds − should not be a hindrance. The National Weather Service says the skies should be clear over Greater Akron on Sunday and Monday nights. The ingredients for the northern lights are powerful solar storms that send particles from the sun toward Earth. These particles interact with the Earth's magnetosphere to trigger the colorful streaks. In general, these storms are not harmful but could pose a potential threat to things like satellites, GPS signals and power grids. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: There's a good chance the northern lights will be visible in Akron
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jason Hancock Joins BioRewards as Head of IT and Digital Operations, Advancing Tech-Driven Plasma Supply Experience
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioRewards Plasma Services ("BioRewards"), a next-generation U.S.-based plasma collection network, is pleased to announce that Jason Hancock has joined the company as Head of IT and Digital Operations. Hancock brings over two decades of healthcare technology leadership, most recently serving as Senior Director of IT at one of the world's top four global plasma fractionators. Hancock's appointment reflects BioRewards' rapid evolution from a strong startup into a technology-forward partner of choice for global fractionators seeking dependable plasma supply. In his role, Hancock will lead the design and implementation of BioRewards' digital infrastructure— overseeing platform architecture, systems integration, and the application of data analytics to optimize the donor experience. "BioRewards exists to help ensure the global plasma-derived medicines supply chain remains strong and resilient," says Charles Auger, CEO of BioRewards. "Jason's leadership will help us scale efficiently while deepening our commitment to innovation and donor-centric operations." As BioRewards advances its plan to open more than 20 plasma centers across the U.S., Hancock's expertise will support the company's goals of operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and technology-enabled donor engagement. "Jason's background with a top-tier global plasma fractionator gives BioRewards a major advantage," added Chris Barber, Chief Operating Officer of BioRewards. "He will lead the implementation of technologies that enhance both quality and cost-efficiency across our national footprint." This leadership addition follows BioRewards' recent formal launch and more than $100 million in strategic funding from Alpha-1 Plasma Holdings. The company is uniquely positioned to help fractionators meet rising global demand for immunoglobulins and other PDMPs by delivering high-quality source and hyperimmune plasma through a digitally optimized collection network. About BioRewards Plasma Services BioRewards Plasma Services is an emerging leader in the independent plasma collection industry, dedicated to delivering high-quality source and hyperimmune plasma material to pharmaceutical companies worldwide. With a leadership team boasting over 100 years of combined experience, BioRewards leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the donor experience, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a stable high-quality plasma supply chain. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Company Name: BioRewards Plasma ServicesContact Person: Media RelationsEmail: Info@ City: New York CityState: New YorkCountry: United States of Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jason Hancock Joins BioRewards as Head of IT and Digital Operations, Advancing Tech-Driven Plasma Supply Experience
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioRewards Plasma Services ("BioRewards"), a next-generation U.S.-based plasma collection network, is pleased to announce that Jason Hancock has joined the company as Head of IT and Digital Operations. Hancock brings over two decades of healthcare technology leadership, most recently serving as Senior Director of IT at one of the world's top four global plasma fractionators. Hancock's appointment reflects BioRewards' rapid evolution from a strong startup into a technology-forward partner of choice for global fractionators seeking dependable plasma supply. In his role, Hancock will lead the design and implementation of BioRewards' digital infrastructure— overseeing platform architecture, systems integration, and the application of data analytics to optimize the donor experience. "BioRewards exists to help ensure the global plasma-derived medicines supply chain remains strong and resilient," says Charles Auger, CEO of BioRewards. "Jason's leadership will help us scale efficiently while deepening our commitment to innovation and donor-centric operations." As BioRewards advances its plan to open more than 20 plasma centers across the U.S., Hancock's expertise will support the company's goals of operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and technology-enabled donor engagement. "Jason's background with a top-tier global plasma fractionator gives BioRewards a major advantage," added Chris Barber, Chief Operating Officer of BioRewards. "He will lead the implementation of technologies that enhance both quality and cost-efficiency across our national footprint." This leadership addition follows BioRewards' recent formal launch and more than $100 million in strategic funding from Alpha-1 Plasma Holdings. The company is uniquely positioned to help fractionators meet rising global demand for immunoglobulins and other PDMPs by delivering high-quality source and hyperimmune plasma through a digitally optimized collection network. About BioRewards Plasma Services BioRewards Plasma Services is an emerging leader in the independent plasma collection industry, dedicated to delivering high-quality source and hyperimmune plasma material to pharmaceutical companies worldwide. With a leadership team boasting over 100 years of combined experience, BioRewards leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the donor experience, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a stable high-quality plasma supply chain. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Company Name: BioRewards Plasma ServicesContact Person: Media RelationsEmail: Info@ City: New York CityState: New YorkCountry: United States of Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
BioRewards Plasma Services and Alpha-1 Plasma Holdings Announce a Joint Venture to Transform Plasma Collection Through a $100 Million Expansion Initiative
New York City, NY - May 12, 2025 - BioRewards Plasma Services ('BioRewards'), a next-generation plasma collection company, has officially launched with the backing of Alpha-1 Plasma Holdings ('Alpha-1'), a premier investor in plasma collection infrastructure. With equity commitments and debt financing, BioRewards is set to deploy over $100 million in capital to open more than 20 state-of-the-art plasma collection centers across the U.S. over the next three years, with other centers in the conception stage outside the US within key nations. The company aims to redefine donor experience, enhance efficiency through cutting-edge technology, and deliver high-quality plasma materials to fractionators worldwide. 'We believe in building strategic partnerships that maximize impact,' said Charles Auger, CEO of BioRewards. 'Our ability to work creatively with plasma-derived medicinal product ('PDMP') fractionators around the world, combined with our relentless focus on innovation and efficiency, makes us a partner of choice in this industry.' BioRewards stands out as a premier independent developer and operator of plasma collection centers, offering both normal source and hyperimmune plasma solutions. Leveraging advanced digital tools—including AI-driven site selection analytics, CRM-driven donor engagement, and operational optimization—BioRewards will increase collection efficiency, reduce donor wait times, and ensure plasma supply reliability for global fractionators. 'Our mission is simple but critical—to provide a flexible and modern approach to plasma collection that meets the growing demand for plasma-derived medicines,' remarked Chris Barber, COO of BioRewards. 'With decades of industry expertise, our leadership team understands what it takes to scale operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency.' Alpha-1 Plasma Holdings' investment in BioRewards reflects a strong commitment to reshaping the plasma collection landscape. John Fontana, CEO of Alpha-1, highlighted BioRewards' potential impact: 'The independent plasma sector needs forward-thinking companies that can reliably and cost-effectively meet global plasma demand. BioRewards brings together experience, vision, strategy, and execution—all the ingredients necessary to be a game-changer.' Fontana continued, 'At Alpha-1, we recognize that success in the plasma industry requires more than operational excellence—it requires creative partnerships with financial and real estate development partners. BioRewards is uniquely positioned to forge these relationships and unlock new growth opportunities.' With early interest from global fractionators and nations, BioRewards is positioning itself as a key player in the plasma supply chain. BioRewards Plasma is set to make a lasting impact on the industry by combining donor-first experiences with best-in-class technology and operational excellence. The company welcomes collaboration with fractionators, healthcare providers, and community leaders as it embarks on this ambitious expansion plan. Peter M. Jaworski, Ph.D., Senior Advisor at Alpha-1, emphasized the global significance of this initiative, stating, 'Plasma-derived therapies are essential to millions of patients worldwide. BioRewards will help by increasing the high-quality plasma supply in order to meet the growing demand for these life-saving therapies in a sustainable way.' About BioRewards Plasma Services: BioRewards Plasma Services is an emerging leader in the independent plasma collection industry, dedicated to delivering high-quality source and hyperimmune plasma material for pharmaceutical companies worldwide. With a leadership team boasting over 100 years of combined experience, BioRewards leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance donor experience, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a stable high-quality plasma supply chain. About Alpha-1 Plasma Holdings: Alpha-1 Plasma Holdings is a strategic investor in the healthcare industry, focused on expanding human plasma material availability to PDMP fractionators worldwide. With a commitment to innovation, Alpha-1 partners with industry leaders to advance the future of plasma-derived therapies through creative partnerships and real estate development. To learn more about partnership opportunities, please email [email protected]. Interested plasma supply and center development customers are encouraged to inquire about the next phase of BioRewards' expansion. Media Contacts: Corporate Communications, [email protected], New York, NY Media Contact Company Name: BioRewards Plasma Services Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email City: New York City State: New York Country: United States Website: Source: PRD Marketing Group
