Life on Earth may be carbon-based, but another element matters, too > News > USC Dornsife – USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Marine microbiologist Doug Capone details the current understanding of the role nitrogen-fixing marine microbes play in the nitrogen cycle in his latest book. [5 min read]

Middle school students learn in science class about the carbon cycle the flow of carbon among the atmosphere, living organisms, soil and the oceans. But another, less familiar cycle also plays a crucial role in the balance of nature: the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrogen constitutes about 78% of the Earths atmosphere, where it exists mainly in its most stable form, a gas called dinitrogen, or N2. A significant amount also resides in the oceans as dissolved gas.

Most animals and plants cant use N2; they first need it turned into a more reactive form, such as ammonia, through a process called nitrogen fixation. But only certain microorganisms can fix nitrogen, and many of those live in marine environments. They draw the N2from the water and, using a specialized enzyme, break the bond between the two nitrogen atoms and attach other atoms to each, making new molecules that other living organisms can use.

The process is crucial to life on Earth and directly affects humans.

The oceans are becoming an ever-increasing source of food for humanity, and nitrogen fixation is critical in maintaining many marine food webs, saidDoug Capone, professor ofbiological sciencesat the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on understanding how ocean microbes affect the movement of important elements, including carbon and nitrogen, through plants and animals and from land to sea to air and back.

Getting a fix on global fixation

Capone has studied diverse ecological systems throughout the world, including the tropical open ocean, coral reefs, mangroves, temperate estuaries, groundwater aquifers and Antarctic snows.

A thorough understanding of the factors involved in nitrogen fixation in the oceans could help future generations safely and sustainably farm the oceans, he said.

Capone, collaborating with Jonathan Zehr of the University of California, Santa Cruz, recently publishedMarine Nitrogen Fixation(Springer, 2021), which summarizes the extensive research and current understanding of marine nitrogen fixation. The book builds onan articlethe pair wrote and published last year at the request of the journalScience.

Capone, who holds the William and Julie Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies, and Zehr, a Distinguished Professor at UC Santa Cruz, are widely respected authorities on marine nitrogen fixation.

Ive been working on aspects of marine N2fixation since my days as a Ph.D. student, Capone said. His dissertation focused on the importance of N2fixation in the tropical seagrassThalassia, also known as turtle grass.

In shallow tropical waters, turtle grass forms dense meadows that many sea-going species from microbes to mollusks to manatees call home. Nitrogen-fixing microbes, known scientifically as diazotrophs, live on the plants leaves and its roots, providing a critical source of nitrogen in the nutrient-depleted tropical waters, Capone said.

Combined expertise in a vital field of study

After landing his first faculty position at New Yorks Stony Brook University in the late 70s, Capone turned his attention to the open ocean, and in the decades since, he has led many research cruises to locations throughout the globe and conducted extensive research on the physiology, ecology and biogeochemical impact of open ocean diazotrophs.

Hes also spent a large share of his career mentoring young scientists and brought many others into this field.

Ive trained a gaggle of researches in this area undergrads, grad students and postdocs as well as having entrained researchers from diverse fields into the area of marine nitrogen fixation, he said.

Zehr is among those researchers, having joined Capones Stony Brook University Lab as a postdoctoral fellow in 1980.

His postdoc with me was not on N2fixation, but he subsequently joined me on many of the cruises I led to study this process in the tropical ocean, said Capone.

Zehr has gone on to establish one of the best model systems for studying functional genes in the environment, according to Capone. Major advances in uncovering the vast biodiversity of microbes in the environment have generally relied upon analyzing the ribosomal genes genes involved in creating ribosomes that are common to all life to establish relationships and diversity. Zehr has instead used the genes directly involved with nitrogen fixation to find and characterize previously unknown microbes capable of fixing N2in the ocean and to track the expression of these genes.

Well-known for his work among the tiniest marine plankton, Zehr discovered a biological partnership, or symbiosis, of two microorganisms found throughout much of the worlds upper ocean.

One partner, the host alga, is eukaryotic meaning it has a nucleus and is autotrophic, able to use light energy and fix carbon; that is, take up carbon dioxide to feed itself and produce new organic molecules.

The other partner is a small, unicellular cyanobacterium, or blue-green alga, that can also derive energy from light but is unable to fix carbon. However, it does fix N2.

The two exchange metabolites in their symbiosis, and the cyanobacterium is a major player in fixing N2in the oceans, says Capone, who also hints that his and Zehrs combined expertise is a kind of symbiosis in its own right, making them particularly well-suited to put togetherMarine Nitrogen Fixation.

In many ways, we complement each other Jon on the molecular biology, physiology and biogeography of nitrogen fixation, myself focusing on ecology and biogeochemistry, Capone says.

In the book, which is primarily intended for scientists, graduate students and upper division undergraduates, he and Zehr give a detailed overview of the current understanding of global marine nitrogen fixation. Topics include which marine microorganisms are fixing nitrogen, where they live and what environmental factors including human-caused changes such as ocean warming and acidification impact microbial activity. And they point out that much about the physiology and regulation of N2fixation remains to be uncovered.

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Life on Earth may be carbon-based, but another element matters, too > News > USC Dornsife - USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Honoring the Class of 2021 – Daily Sentinel

REEDSVILLE Members of the Eastern High School Class of 2021 were recognized for their athletic and academic achievement during an awards ceremony on Thursday at Eastern High School.

Jenna Chadwell was announced as the Class of 2021 Valedictorian, with Layna Catlett announced as the Class of 2021 Salutatorian.

The remainder of the Top 10 of the Class of 2021 includes Jonna Epple, Olivia Barber, Skylar Honaker, Alysa Howard, Kelsey Roberts, Whitney Durst, Tessa Rockhold and Alisa Ord.

Class of 2021 graduates to receive an Honors Diploma include: Jake Barber, Olivia Barber, Layna Catlett, Jenna Chadwell, Whitney Durst, Jonna Epple, Ashton Guthrie, Skylar Honaker, Alysa Howard, McKenzie Long, Brianna Nutter, Alisa Ord, Kelsey Roberts, Kennadi Rockhold, Tessa Rockhold, and KayCee Schreckengost.

Jenna Chadwell was the WSAZ Best of the Class representative.

Class of 2021 National Honor Society members were Jake Barber, Matthew Blanchard, Natalie Browning, Layna Catlett, Whitney Durst, Jonna Epple, Ashton Guthrie, Skylar Honaker, Alysa Howard, Blake Newland, Brianna Nutter and Kelsey Roberts.

Hunter Corwin-Cline, a member of the Class of 2021 who passed away earlier this year, was recognized with the OHSAAs Courageous Student Award. Athletic Director Josh Fogle stated that the award recognized the strength, courage, and ability to overcome challenges which Hunter had shown during his life. The award was accepted by his mother Michelle Cline.

Athletic Awards

Steven Fitzgerald was recognized as the Ivan B. Walker Male Athlete of the Year. Sydney Sanders was recognized as the Ivan B. Walker Female Athlete of the Year.

Steven Fitzgerald and Ashton Guthrie received the OHSAA Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award.

Matthew Blanchard and Jenna Chadwell received the OHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award.

Jake Barber and KayCee Schrekengost received the NFHS Award of Excellence.

US Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete Awards were presented to Blake Newland and Whitney Durst.

Senior Athlete Awards were presented to Jake Barber, Olivia Barber, Matthew Blanchard, Layna Catlett, Jenna Chadwell, Whitney Durst, Jonna Epple, Steven Fitzgerald, Ashton Guthrie, Brad Hawk, Bruce Hawley, Alysa Howard, Derrisa Johnson, Owen Johnson, Jacey Martin, Blake Newland, William Oldaker, Alisa Ord, Conner Ridenour, Kelsey Roberts, Kennadi Rockhold, Tessa Rockhold, Sydney Sanders, KayCee Schrekengost, Faith Smeeks, Hunter Sisson and Preston Thorla.

Jim Barber was recognized with the Community Member Award.

Scholarships and additional awards

Eastern Athletic Boosters Scholarship Kelsey Roberts and Jake Barber, $1,000 each;

Emeri Connery Flying Eagle Scholarship Ashton Guthrie, $1,000;

Kevin Fick Scholarship Skylar Honaker, $1,000;

University of Rio Grande Jake Bapst Scholarship Whitney Durst, two years tuition approximately $10,000;

University of Rio Grande Robert S. Wood Scholarship Tessa Rockhold, $1,000;

4-H Cords Whitney Durst, Steven Fitzgerald, and McKenzie Long;

Jordan Hardwick Memorial Scholarship Tessa Rockhold;

Justin Hill Memorial Scholarship Jenna Chadwell and Tessa Rockhold, $500 each;

Eagles Scout Award Jake Barber;

Eastern Music Booster Scholarship Blake Newland and Matthew Blanchard;

Eastern Music Booster Awards Blake Newland, Matthew Blanchard, Derrisa Brewer-Johnson, Brogan Holter, Kelsey Reed, Katlyn Lawson, William Oldaker, Conner Ridenour, and Hunter Sisson.

ELEA Schoalrship Brad Hawk, Blake Newland and Nicole Bean (Athens High School), $500 each;

Board of Education Scholarships Valedictorian Scholarship, Jenna Chadwell, $550 (four years); Salutatorian Scholarship, Layna Catlett, $450 (four years); Green Scholarship, Jonna Epple, $425 (four years); White Scholarship, Skylar Honaker, $350 (two years);

William and Wilma Williams Scholarship Sydney Sanders and Whitney Durst, $750 each for four years;

Bill Call Scholarship Blake Newland, $2,100;

Lewis Parker Scholarship Alysa Howard, $1,000;

OVEC Kyger Creek Science Scholarship Jonna Epple, $450;

Eichinger Family Scholarship Layna Catlett and Alysa Howard, $2,500 each;

Hills Classic Cars Cruisin Saturday Night Car Show Scholarship Blake Newland, $1,000;

Washington State Community College Presidential Scholarship Skylar Honaker and Alisa Ord, $2,000 each per year;

Marshall University Opportunity Grant Alysa Howard, $2,000 per year;

Holzer Science Award Jonna Epple, $450;

Anatomy and Physiology Award Jonna Epple;

Calculus Kelsey Roberts;

Trigonometry Olivia Barber;

Transition to College Math Natalie Browning.

2021 Ohio Valley Publishing, all rights reserved.

Sydney Sanders receives the Ivan B. Walker Female Athlete of the Year award from Athletic Director Josh Fogle.

Steven Fitzgerald receives the Ivan B. Walker Male Athlete of the Year award from Athletic Director Josh Fogle.

Hunter Corwin-Cline, a member of the Class of 2021 who passed away earlier this year, was honored with the Courageous Student Award.

Skylar Honaker receives the Board of Education White Scholarship from board member Jessica Staley.

Michelle Cline, the mother of Hunter Corwin-Cline, accepts the Courageous Student Award from Athletic Director Josh Fogle in memory of her son Hunter.

Jake Barber was presented the Eagle Scout award and cords by Floyd Ridenour.

Jonna Epple receives the anatomy and physiology award and Holzer Science Award from Ginger Wills.

Members of the Eastern National Honor Society received their gold cords.

Whitney Durst, Steven Fitzgerald and McKenzie Long, 4-H members, received green cords to be worn at graduation from Carolyn Kesterson.

Tessa Rockhold receives the Jordan Hardwick Memorial Scholarship from Rebecca Birt.

Tessa Rockhold receives the University of Rio Grande Robert S. Wood Scholarship from Michelle Kennedy.

Kelsey Roberts receives the Eastern Athletic Booster Scholarship from Josh Fogle.

Eagles receive scholarships, awards

Sarah Hawley is the managing editor of The Daily Sentinel.

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Honoring the Class of 2021 - Daily Sentinel

Greys Anatomy Recap: Comings and Goings – Vulture

Photo: Richard Cartwright/ABC

Oh, Japril shippers, have you come back down from that high youve been riding since learning two weeks ago that our, lets call it improbable, dream of a reunion between Jackson and April as a romantic couple came true? Although nothing would be more of a balm to my weary soul than a hot Japril hookup after all this time, Im glad Greys Anatomy didnt push it too far and go there too fast theyre both single, in Boston together, and have never quite fit with another person the way they do each other, so, we know. And while Look Up Child offered us a nice emotional close to the character of Jackson Avery, Tradition is the real deal: Dr. Jackson Avery spends the episode saying good-bye to his friends and then finally peacing out from that glorious death trap that is Grey Sloan Memorial, at peace with his decision and eager to get started on the next thing.

Theres nothing too revelatory in Jacksons good-byes to the doctors most important to him, but they were all nice little homages to these relationships, and as an audience member from the beginning, all the clips from Greys-gone-by never fail to get me a little misty-eyed. He thanks Bailey and Webber for being examples of the kind of human, parent, and doctor he wanted to be when his own father failed so miserably. He thanks Jo for being a friend and for the hot sex. His good-bye with Meredith acknowledges both the bond they had over knowing what its like to have a last name with so much baggage and pressure and legacy, and the fact that they were the final two left from their residency year, and now itll be just Meredith. The Meredith/Jackson friendship was one that was always hinted at but never quite fully developed, but this scene complete with tears! was a nice little moment. It was all nice! Maybe weve just been worn down by the absolute dreariness of this season of Greys Anatomy, but it really was refreshing to find a whole bunch of story lines infused with hope and happiness. Who knew!

Speaking of, Meredith went home this week. Soon, that godforsaken beach will be a distant memory! Shes looking good, her tests are all great, and the doctors have no reason to keep her at the hospital any longer. Most of her exit story is about her wanting to avoid the surprise clap-out the hospital is planning for her and Bailey and Webber tiptoeing around telling Mer that DeLuca is dead. When they finally do, she looks upset for maybe five seconds and then informs them that DeLuca is okay because hes with his mother now, remembering their good-bye on the beach. And thats it! Dang, Mer! Thats cold. I mean, thankfully the episode sneaks in that moment between Jo and Carina Jo is officially in pink scrubs and a resident on Carinas service in which Jo, knowing that Carina is headed to Italy to help out at a hospital there and spread her brothers ashes, tells her how wonderful DeLuca was and that shes incredibly grateful to have known him. Its lovely! And also quite deserved since Andrew DeLuca did almost get beaten to death trying to help Jo, but like, come on, show, that shouldve been a conversation between Carina and Meredith, you know, the woman Andrew loved until the very end. DeLuca has been done so dirty!

After that anticlimactic reveal with Meredith, she gets Jackson to sneak her out of the hospital and drive her home without having to go through the fanfare of the clap-out. And then shes home and in a group hug with her kids and its all such a sigh of relief, isnt it?

There are other points of joy in this episode, including the patient story this week. A pregnant woman from the Suquamish tribe named Mary Ann comes in with her grandfather, who recently had COVID-19 and has now seeminglysuffered a stroke. Hes an elder in their tribe and a language carrier. As both Mary Ann and Intern Chee, who is Navajo, explain to Tom, COVID-19 has hit Native American populations hard and Mary Ann cannot lose her grandfather and their tribe cannot lose yetanother one of its leaders. Tom has itunder control. But, of course, Mary Ann goes into premature labor, which makes the stakes much higher!

Our new OB team, Carina and Jo, eventually help Mary Ann deliver little Rosie into the world. And her grandfather comes out of his stroke just fine thanks to Tom and a big assist from Intern Chee, who was raised by a family of healers and performs a smudging ceremony over Mr. Lawrence. Everyones okay, people! Today is not a day for sadness at Grey Sloan!

It is, however, a day for taking stock of how the pandemic has changed people. When Mr. Lawrence meets little Rosie over video chat, he tells her that one day shell get to tell the story of her birth, how she was born in a time of greatdevastation but that it led to a time of great resilience and change. And that she brought an abundance of joy with her when she arrived. Its a moving speech regardless, but it hits Tom especially hard. Throughout the episode, hes watched as Helm has burned out, learns that Jo had enough of surgery and so made a huge change in her career, and then after this speech, hes heard enough. He meets up with Jackson and explains to him that his experience with COVID has changed him. During histime in the hospital, he had six roommates who all died. He was the only white guy in the bunch and he was the onlyone thatsurvived and he needs to do something about that. He heard about Jacksons plans for the Fox Foundation and he wants in on the fight to change systemic racism in the health-care system. He doesnt care what the job is, what his title will be, or how much money is involved he simply wants to help, to be a true ally. Let me beworthy of being spared, he tells Jackson. Jackson hires him right there.

So we arent saying good-bye to just one doctor tonight Tom Koracick is headed to Boston, too. Dont completely despair, Tom fans: Greg Germann might be leaving Greys Anatomy as a series regular, but it seems hell be back for some guest-star stints in the future, so this isnt the lastweve seen of Tom Koracick. Still, Greys Anatomy is really shedding castmembers this season, huh?

Can we just talk about how Im already tearing up at the thought of Richard officiating Maggie and Winstons wedding? He was so sad coming to them apologizing for assuming hed be invited and worried he was stepping on toes, only to be so moved to hear that of course Maggies dad will be walking her down the aisle, but that they all couldnt think of a better person to marry them. My wish for them is a devastatingly romantic wedding.

Wait, so theres not even one final moment between Jackson and Maggie? After all weve been through watching those ding-dongs? Remember the killer fog???

Links so cute thinking hell ever get to move out of Merediths house and find some peace and quiet with Amelia and Scout. It turns out to be Owen who has to explain that the pull of that house and of the sister bond is so strong hes never fully getting out of there. Even Winston, who is new to these parts, can see Owens not making that up. Youre making it sound like a coven, Link says. Exactly, Link. Exactly.

The Helm stuff feels like a parallel to what this episode of Greys is doing as a whole its a bridge from the depressing mud weve been trudging through to something more hopeful, more like how things used to be. For Helm, we find her almostzombielike, so emotionally and physically spent from everything being a doctor duringthe pandemic has asked of her and she confides in Schmitt that all she can think about is walking away from medicine; she hates it now. But Schmitt sits by her side and seeing his best friend suffering so much, offers her a lifeline: She should move in with him (and Jo). No one should be alone through this. Her relief is palpable. For the first time in a long time, she feels lighter and hopeful.

Wow, okay, so Owen and Teddy are having lots of sex in the on-call room now? And smiling? What in the actual world?

Keep up with all the drama of your favorite shows!

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Greys Anatomy Recap: Comings and Goings - Vulture

UH Maui Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Honored for Excellence in Teaching – Maui Now

Trenton Niemi, anatomy and physiology instructor, UH Maui College

An anatomy and physiology instructor at the University of Hawaii Maui College STEM department was awarded the Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching. The award recognizes faculty who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values beneficial to students.

Trenton Niemiwas born in Minnesota, but says he has always been called to the ocean.

University representatives say his commitment and dedication to his students has been recognized by his colleagues and students. Students laud his ability to make difficult concepts understandable, which is commendable considering the challenging nature of the material (i.e., anatomy, physiology).

Students also reported that he was an inspiring teacher. [He] explains in multiple ways so that we truly understand the information and he is the best instructor I have ever had, a student wrote.

Niemi moved toHawaiimore than 15 years ago and has taught withUHMaui College for 11 years, teachingPHYS141 and 142 lectures and labs as well as forKapiolaniCCs Emergency Medical Services Training program.

In addition to his passion for teaching, Niemis interests include bodyboarding, weight lifting and photography. Some of his photography can be seen on theUHMaui College channel.

He was among a list of 15 UH faculty members from across the state who were awarded the Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching. Three additional instructors received the Regents Medal for Excellence in Research. In addition, six UH teachers have been recognized with the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching; and a Kauai Community College student and taro farmer has won the Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education.

Our extraordinary, innovative, caring University of Hawaii faculty are second to none, said UH President David Lassner. Especially in these challenging times, their dedication and commitment elevates and inspires our students even as their scholarship and engagement helps address pressing global issues and improve lives across our islands.

The complete list of recipients of the Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching, include:

The Regents Medal for Excellence in Research, which recognizes a faculty members scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of all in the community, nation and the world, was awarded to:

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teachingrecognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and UH Mnoa for 19 years. This years awardees are:

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Educationrewards outstanding achievement and significant contribution to vocational and technical education by a community college faculty member or student. The award was established by family members to honor the namesakes role in development of the food industry in Hawaii. This years winner is:

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UH Maui Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Honored for Excellence in Teaching - Maui Now

Anatomy of the hit that knocked out Maple Leafs captain John Tavares and the aftermath – Toronto Star

John Tavares is out of the playoffs indefinitely with a concussion.

The Maple Leafs captain took a pass from Jake Muzzin, a hit from Ben Chiarot and a knee to the head from Corey Perry in the first period of Thursday nights Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens. He lay motionless on the ice after the game-changing perhaps life-altering play that lasted no more than a few seconds.

It looked like a very high-impact blow, so if you do the math the acceleration of his head and brain inside his head is at a pretty high velocity. Thats what causes concussion, said Dr. Charles Tator, Canadas leading expert on concussions. The good news is, it sounds like it was no more than a concussion. Thats good news, that they announced the tests were negative. Im assuming that means they did either a CAT scan or MRI to eliminate the possibility of cranial bleeding. Thats important.

Tavares has been released from hospital and is recovering at home. Tator did not treat Tavares, but the two are friends. Tavares once helped Tator with an instructional video for young hockey players on how to prevent concussions. Tavaress advice: Never hit from behind.

But thats not what happened here. This was every bit a hockey play.

Heres the anatomy of the hit.

9:39: With nine minutes and 39 seconds remaining in the first period, Muzzin gets control of the puck behind his net. No one is pressuring him, though Perry is on his way. Muzzin sees Tavares and an easy outlet pass to clear the zone and go on the attack. Chiarot stays close to Tavares, guessing correctly thats where the puck is going.

9:38: Muzzin launches a pass from the corner to Tavares at the blue line. Perry was on his way toward Muzzin, but circles to his right at the faceoff circle, following the trajectory of the pass. Hes picking up speed.

9:37: The puck is on Tavaress stick, but only for a split second. The idea is to tip it forward to a teammate. Nick Foligno and William Nylander are in the vicinity, but the puck never makes it. Chiarot times his hit to disrupt the pass. Its a clean, full-body, heavy hit, albeit at an awkward angle. Montreal players have been targeting Leafs stars all night, and this is no different.

9:36: Tavares falls to his right and tumbles toward the blue line. He bounces and rolls, but keeps his head from hitting the ice.

9:35: Tavares has rolled over so that his face is toward Perry, who is a mere stride away. Perry had been building to full speed, but seems aware enough that both Chiarot and Tavares are in his path that he slows down a bit, and raises his left leg just a little in an apparent attempt to go over Tavares. But the bended knee hits Tavares squarely in the face.

At the 9:31 mark, the whistle is blown. The referees often let play continue until the team of a downed player gets control of the puck. In this case Montreal had the puck, but the referees saw Tavares in distress. The training and medical staff from both teams came to his aid.

Paul Ayotte, the Leafs head trainer, is the first to arrive, holding the players head still as he tries to readjust Tavares from an awkward position. Almost immediately, he calls for a stretcher. Paramedics are quick to the scene. Torontos medical director Dr. Noah Forman and Montreals Dr. David Mulder are escorted to the ice by players.

The Canadiens mostly retreat to their bench. Most Leafs were around the scene but at a respectful distance. Jason Spezza, however, was right in there with the medical folks, talking to Tavares.

I was just trying to keep him calm, said Spezza. Scary moment. He wasnt really responding to much that was going on, so I was just trying to keep him calm. I talked to him when I got home and he said that he picked up my voice and recognized it, so I think thats why I just tried to keep talking him through it.

The villain in all of this is Perry, who has played that role his entire career. His reputation precedes him as a player who walks the line between clean and dirty hits. Fans on some teams would convict him on sight, but theres leeway on this play.

Even Foligno who fought Perry as payback on the ensuing faceoff to fulfil the NHLs unwritten code of justice didnt think the hit was intentional.

Only Perry knows what his true intent was in the moment, though it happened so quickly its hard to imagine intent could even be formed. Perry looked aghast at what had transpired. He and Tavares are, after all, friends off the ice.

When the stretcher carrying Tavares started to roll off the ice, Perry skated over to give Tavares a pat on the stomach, wishing him well.

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I felt sick to my stomach when I saw it and saw the way he was. Its a scary situation, said Perry. He got hit, I was coming out of the zone, I was trying to jump over him, and unfortunately I caught my knee on his head. I dont know what else to do there. I tried to jump. Its an unfortunate incident.

I know Johnny pretty well. Just hope hes OK.

Before the stretcher is off the ice, Tavares is able to raise his hand and give a thumbs up, a message to his teammates plus family and friends watching on TV that hes all right.

Tavares also called and texted teammates from St. Michaels Hospital, where he stayed overnight, to make sure they knew their captain was fine.

Johns a good friend (and) everybody was very concerned, said Spezza. Were happy to know that everythings looking on the ups, but definitely it was a moment where your mind races a little bit. You think about his family. But just seeing your buddy on the ice like that is scary moment.

The issue is the health of the brain. Protected by the cranium and, in a hockey players case, a helmet its still prone to violent jolts.

The best way to think of it is, the consistency of the brain is like Jell-O, said Tator. What happens is, its the jiggle of the brain that causes a concussion. With all the billions of nerve cells, and an even greater number of fibres that come off the nerve cells, those get jiggled.

And now they have to reset.

Unlike a broken bone, where healing can be monitored with X-rays, or a heart attack, where the severity can be measured by a blood test, there is no medical measurement for a concussions severity or the patients recovery, said Tator.

We only have the symptoms to go by, said Tator, how John feels if he has headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound. There are about 80 symptoms. We have to assess the symptoms to know whether hes recovering, and to what extent recovery is happening.

The good news is, recovery usually happens. Thats why we have to keep players out of action for a period of time to let the brain recover. If they go back too fast, and they get another blow before they fully recover, the damage is multiplied.

We like people to wait out at least a week, but some people could take even a year to recover. He shouldnt go back until hes completely recovered, which means all the symptoms would have gone before he should play. He can start skating, but he should not be in game play until all the symptoms have gone away.

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Anatomy of the hit that knocked out Maple Leafs captain John Tavares and the aftermath - Toronto Star

Grey’s Anatomy Ratings Drop to Lowest Ever, Down 16% from Last Week, Fans Exit with Fired Actors – Showbiz411

Home Television Greys Anatomy Ratings Drop to Lowest Ever, Down 16% from Last Week,...

Meredith woke up just in time to say goodbye to two cast members on Greys Anatomy last night.

The result was a nearly 16% drop in the key age group and 11% in overall audience. The fans tuned out.

Last nights episode was the lowest rated ever, just 4.4 million, down from 4.925 million last week. The demo was down 15.77% and the audience was off 10.66 million.

Thats a steep drop. And there are still two more episodes left. The show can go lower.

Renewed for another season, Greys has so far let three actors go this season. With two more episodes, there are undoubtedly more surprises. With budget cuts and lower ratings, Greys is headed toward being just about Meredith Grey whose house, Im paraphrasing, was last night described as smelling like hot cocoa and newborn puppies. Or cotton candy and death.

EP Krista Vernoff, who just saw ABC cut her off at the knees by cancelling Rebel for no reason, says in finale on June 2 well see Merediths new role at the hospital. Her title will be Empress. Jo Wilson, played by Camilla Luddington, is going to make a life changing decision. Luddington may be headed to the unemployment line to join the others.

Should be fun!

Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. He wrote the Intelligencer column for NY Magazine in the mid 90s, reporting on the OJ Simpson trial, as well as for the real Parade magazine (when it was owned by Conde Nast), and has written for the New York Observer, Details, Vogue, Spin, the New York Times, NY Post, Washington Post, and NY Daily News among many publications. He is the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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Grey's Anatomy Ratings Drop to Lowest Ever, Down 16% from Last Week, Fans Exit with Fired Actors - Showbiz411

Anatomy of . . . Rafael Nadal | Sport | The Sunday Times – The Times

The Spaniard rules supreme on clay, having won his tenth Italian Open title last week and heads to Roland Garros in search of a 14th French Open success.

FactfileAge 34Born Mallorca, SpainHeight 1.85mWeight 85kgWorld ranking 3 (highest, 1)Career prize money $124,480,032

The king of clayThe most important thing on clay is patience, lex Corretja, a two-times runner-up at the French Open, told The Times in 2019. You need to accept you need to spend a lot of time on the court because points last longer, matches too. The fitness, conditioning, mental strength, his game is perfect for that, Corretja added of Nadal. He stands far back your service is useless. When you know your service is going

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The anatomy of the health service cyber attack – RTE.ie

The National Cyber Security Agency is hoping that by next week it will be able to begin to ease the misery of the millions of sick people and their loved ones who have had their lives disrupted, their treatment delayed, their appointments cancelled and their healthcare worries exacerbated by the cruel and callous actions of an organised cyber crime gang.

The State's Cyber Security Response Team along with commercial IT contractors FireEye and international partners have been working 24 hour shifts on a decryption key supplied by the criminal gang so they can use it on the HSE systems. It is complicated and painstaking work.

Criminal gangs spend millions on designing and inserting malware into IT systems all over the world that enables them to encrypt data and steal it for ransom. They dont spend as much time or money on the decryption key, the result being that while the codes when handed over may work to some extent, they may also contain 'bugs which do more damage to the systems and the data theyre supposed to restore.

Colonial Pipeline, the company providing almost half of the fuel for the East Coast of the United States, discovered this to its cost after it was hacked by a criminal gang referred to as Darkside on 7 May last. It paid the criminals $4.4m for the key to unlock the encryption and while the code provided was of some use, it didnt immediately restore the pipelines systems.

Timeline of the attack

Six days after the US attack officials at the Department of Health here noticed suspicious activity on their computer systems and contacted the National Cyber Security Agency. Based at the Department of the Environment in Adelaide Road in Dublin and with a staff of about 30 IT specialists, its job is to manage cyber security incidents across Government and provide guidance and advice to citizens and business on these incidents.

The cyber attack first on the Department of Health and then on the HSE turned out to be the most serious ever attack on the States critical infrastructure. The health service IT systems here had avoided another ransomware attack four years ago when the WannaCry virus infected a quarter of a million machines in 150 countries including the UKs NHS.

The National Cyber Security Team activated its crisis response procedures and called in FireEye, a commercial specialist IT incident response company. Investigators found a remote access tool known as cobalt strike Beacon on the system, which hackers use to move within computer networks before launching their virus and demanding a ransom - or as its known in computer parlance "execution of a ransom payload". Unknown to anyone the hackers had already been in the IT systems before this for at least a week.

The Department of Health acted quickly enough to prevent the cyber criminals from detonating their malware, known as Conti, on its systems. The IT specialists were able to detect, through a combination of anti-virus software and the deployment of tools, an attempt to execute ransomware and stop it. The result is that the systems at the Department of Health have not been as badly damaged and should be up and running again sooner.

The HSE however was not so lucky. They first realised they were under attack in the early hours of Friday morning, 14 May, and by that time it was too late. The criminals had executed their ransom payload and the HSE systems had been disabled.

The attack has badly damaged the HSE and the health services. It has had to shut down its systems and bring in specialists to carefully go through each part of its network, step by step, find the malware, block malicious IPs and domain names, protect privileged accounts, clean, rebuild and update all infected devices, ensure antivirus is up to date on all systems, makes sure all devices are patched and ultimately restore the data.

CEO Paul Reid has admitted he fears all the HSEs data has been compromised.

A digital ransom note was also left for the HSE. Much like a kidnapper inviting someone to drop the money off, the note contained a link with an invitation to "chat" with the criminals on the darknet with a view to paying a ransom to get the data back.

The darknet is equivalent to the criminals back alley. The message stated:

"YOU SHOULD BE AWARE! Just in case, if you ignore us. Weve downloaded your data and are ready to publish."

Such a threat has been made and acted upon before. Hackers attacked a psychiatric hospital in Finland in October of last year and stole the medical records of 40,000 people. In what is known as a double extortion they not only sought a ransom from the hospital, they also emailed individual patients and threatened to publish their therapy and mental health treatment records if they werent paid.

Wizard spider

The organised cyber crime group behind the cyber attacks here is a highly technically proficient gang of criminals known as Wizard Spider. The criminal gang has been responsible for hundreds of cyber attacks all over the world; since 2019 it has carried out more than 300.

The organised crime group, according to the intelligence agencies, is based in and around St Petersburg in Russia and consists of approximately 80 employees, some of whom are unaware they are working for a criminal organisation.

It employs skilled computer programmers and hackers on a part-time and temporary basis as part of a modus operandi that involves regular changes in staff.

Wizard Spider has for many years been a target of the FBI, the UK National Crime Agency, Interpol, Europol and other international law enforcement agencies. It does not carry out attacks on systems in Russia and the groups key members do not travel outside Russia.

It specialises in inserting malware into computer systems all over the world and targets government, healthcare, aerospace, agriculture, academic, retail and commercial bodies by encrypting their data and making high ransom demands. It is known to belittle its victims.

Cyber criminals buy and sell their services and capabilities, such as fraud or hacking abilities, on underground websites, but the Wizard Spider group is very security-conscious. It does not openly advertise on the darknet and will only sell access to or work alongside trusted criminals. This has enabled it to continue to operate covertly for years.

The criminal gang first came to the attention of law enforcement seven years ago when key figures were suspected of being involved in cyber attacks in 2014 and 2015 involving malware known as Dyre.

The Dyre malware was at the time the pre-eminent virus enabling cyber criminals to steal money online.

In 2018, however, international agencies identified a significant upgrade in the criminal organisations technical ability and its primary use of three types of ransomware, Trickbot, Ryuk and Conti. These were used to target large organisations for a high value return in a criminal activity. This is known online as big game hunting.

Conti is the ransomware that was used to disable the HSE and the Department of Healths IT systems and law enforcement agencies say there is no known case of success in relation to generating a decryption key for the ransomware.

Ransom demand

A document was published online in the aftermath of the cyber attacks here claiming to show that the gang wanted $20m dollars. The figure has been dismissed by security specialists involved but they concede the gang is looking for millions to enable the HSE and the Department of Health to retrieve the data that has been stolen.

However, the Governments position from the start has remained the same - Ireland will not pay. This was repeated several times this week.

All parties involved insist that no money has changed hands and that no agency, representative, or private individual, directly or by proxy has or will pay any ransom and that none will be paid or disguised in any fees paid to a commercial company. The Government cannot be seen to capitulate to the demands or support the business model of organised crime.

The National Cyber Security Centre and the private IT specialists contractors also say they have not engaged at all with the criminal gang responsible. They are satisfied that this criminal gang knew that it had attacked a health service and that its crime would impact on sick, elderly and vulnerable people including children.

Digital notes left by the hackers were addressed to the Health Service Executive and investigators are satisfied the gang targeted the health system. "This attack," said one of the specialists working to restore the data systems, "was not an accidental discharge."

The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau is in charge of the criminal investigation and is liaising with Europol and Interpol. While they may identify individuals within the gang responsible, these people are believed to be in countries beyond the reach of this jurisdiction. They also say that while its "probable" that personal information that appeared online this week may be from the HSEs files, that has not been verified.

The gang members may be put on no fly and international watchlists which would confine them to their own countries. They may even be liable to international financial sanctions within their own country and have their accounts and assets frozen. However, these potential sanctions are unlikely to deter them and its unlikely that any of them will be brought to justice here.

But in spite of this harsh reality, the prosecution authorities did not stand idly by this week. The State made a pre-emptive strike to limit the gangs options and devalue their stolen data. The gangsters could not keep the crime out of the Irish courts.

Super injunction

The HSE took the imaginative and proactive step of securing a High Court injunction against the hackers, referred to in the order as "persons unknown". The court order restrains any person or company from sharing, processing, selling or publishing the data stolen from the HSEs computer systems. The application is unprecedented. The courts dont usually make orders against "persons unknown".

The main purpose of the super- injunction is to put legitimate information service providers such as Google, Twitter, and Facebook on notice of a legal prohibition on the sharing and publication of the HSE information.

The hackers have threatened to publish personal and confidential HSE records if they dont get paid but the injunction severely limits the effectiveness of such a strategy. It shuts down, to them and others, the main domestic and international platforms for disseminating the stolen data.

The criminals can still put it on the darknet, the marketplace for cyber criminals, but any individual or business who subsequently circulates it on social media potentially faces a large fine and or jail for contempt of court.

Ironically, the hackers have 42 days to enter an appearance to the proceedings after which the matter will return before the court, a civil right they are unlikely to avail of. Mr Justice Kevin Cross referred to their use of blackmail as "particularly heinous" and "always the remedy of a coward".

The National Cyber Security Centre continued working to restore the healthcare systems but it came as a complete surprise to them, the Government, the Gardai, the IT specialists and the HSE that out of the blue and for no apparent reason, last Thursday afternoon, the gang posted a decryption tool online.

Decryption key

The National Cyber Security Agency and the IT specialists from Ireland and abroad immediately examined the decryption key, a complicated algorithm. They established it was "a valid decryptor", "a binary solution" which they validated by programming it into a "sandbox" which is a safe cyber environment in which to open the key.

IT specialists were then able to use the key within that safe environment on a sample of the HSEs encrypted data. They discovered that the key worked because it decrypted the data. However they also discovered that it was "highly flawed" and needed to be "debugged".

The organised cyber crime gang had spent hundreds of thousands of euro designing and placing the ransomware in the Irish health systems but far less money on the decryption tool which would solve the problem, hence the bugs.

The criminal gang had inserted "a rolling encryption" as part of its ransomware into the HSEs systems to capture the data but had also pushed the encryption down through the entire computer system. IT specialists say it is therefore a complicated task to unlock the data even with the algorithm code because the code changes or "reiterates" every time they go into the system.

They must therefore recommence at the exact same place. They say it is a complex procedure which if not done carefully could corrupt the data. And while they have the algorithm, the decryption code, they now need to build "an engine" to "house" the decryption. The "engine" must be compatible with the HSE systems to work. Only then will they be able use the code to unlock the systems and safely restore the stolen data.

"We have the cargo but we now have to build the truck" one specialist said.

The IT specialists also have to undo some of the protections that they had put into the system to protect it against further attacks. They need to take down these protections in order to use the decryption key "a long string code".

As one specialist put it, "we have had to reverse engines and take one step back to move five steps forward".

Why did the gang hand over the key?

Security specialists working to restore the systems have described the decision of the criminal gang to publicly release a decryption key as "highly unusual". It is not clear why they did this and why they did it publicly. Criminal gangs like to operate covertly, make their demands, take their money and move on quietly to the next target.

However one of the problems the gang has created for itself is that it has drawn international attention upon its criminal activities. This is now a global story. Another problem is not just the unwillingness of the Government to pay any ransom, it is the unwillingness of any agency here apart from law enforcement to engage with them.

A third problem is the fact that they have attacked a state agency which has led to the attack becoming a political and diplomatic issue. The Taoiseach has said that diplomatic channels were not used to secure the release of the encryption code but the Minister for Foreign Affairs has raised the matter with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

In addition, the Russian Ambassador to Ireland Yuri Filatov has said that the authorities in Russia are looking for this gang, that Russian law enforcement is constantly watching for this kind of activity and that he is pretty sure that this recent incident is being investigated fully. He also disagreed with a suggestion that Russia was a safe haven for cyber criminals, pointing out that cyber crime has no borders and is not exclusively a product of Russia.

All that may have put pressure on the criminal gang but it may not be enough to stop it from dumping the data on the darknet next week to protect its reputation for ruthless extortion.

It has the data and it can also recoup some of its expenses by selling it on to other criminals for fraud and blackmail.

In many ways the offer of the online decryption code following the theft of the data is akin to a burglar handing back the key of a house after he has ransacked it. The burglar may have lost some money because the householder wouldnt pay to get the key back but the burglar can still sell the television, the jewellery, the laptops, the mobile phones and anything else he stole from the house. Hell also keep the cash he found in the upstairs bedroom.

Its not possible to predict what the cyber crime gang will do with the valuable assets they have stolen from the HSE. But much like the burglar, while Wizard Spider may not make as much as they hoped and may have to cut their losses, its clear they have other means of making money, primarily by "fencing" the goods stolen from the HSE in the cyber crime marketplace.

Its not unusual for healthcare to be targeted by cyber crime gangs. Six hospitals in the US were attacked by ransomware last October, another in Germany in November. It is however unprecedented for a criminal gang to target the systems of a national health service.

IT specialists say once the decryption key that can be used on the HSE systems has been built they can begin rolling it out online. They can also put it on USB keys and send officials to hospitals and health clinics where they can use it to restore systems onsite. They are warning however that this will take some time and some systems will take longer to restore than others.

What systems are restored and when will be a matter for the HSE.

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The anatomy of the health service cyber attack - RTE.ie

It’s time to let ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ go and move on to a Jackson and April spin-off – the viewers deserve it – Yahoo News

Give Jackson and April the spin-off they deserve. ABC/Richard Cartwright

Jesse Williams' exit from "Grey's Anatomy" saddened fans but also set up the perfect spin-off.

A show centered on Jackson, April, and their work in marginalized communities is vitally needed.

ABC hasn't announced any plans for a spin-off - just an 18th season for "Grey's" - but they should.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Longtime "Grey's Anatomy" viewers will recall the heartbreaking moment Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) and April Kepner (Sarah Drew) lost their son Samuel Avery in the season 11 episode "All I Could Do Was Cry."

On the night that episode aired in 2015, I called a friend sobbing.

"April has nothing and I have nothing and what am I gonna do?" I asked, crying real tears over my keyboard.

In my defense, I had drank a lot of wine to prepare for the episode, but I was not precisely just absorbing a fictional character's pain. I was one journalism project away from my Master's degree and advisers kept quitting on me or rejecting my proposals. Some of my pain was real.

My friend understood that fictional characters can be very real kindred spirits and told me, "You are going to finish your degree. And April has Jackson."

But I wasn't so sure about that last part: "You know how TV works - the writers are going to break them up!"

Turns out, we were both right.

I did finish my Master's degree, with a final project examining authentic representation of disability on TV. And following the loss of their child in that season 11 episode, "Grey's Anatomy" did choose to use Drew and Williams' natural chemistry against them for most of Drew's subsequent three seasons on the show. Instead of thriving together, Jackson and April flailed apart until Drew's nonsensical exit two years later at the end of season 14.

But the couple's recent on-screen reunion reminded viewers just how magnetic the two are, and how they're the perfect candidates to anchor a spin-off focusing on more marginalized and diverse stories - if only ABC were ready to let "Grey's Anatomy" go and make space for a show like that happen.

Story continues

Jackson and April in "Look Up Child." ABC/Richard Cartwright

Williams' recent exit finally gave "Grey's Anatomy" the chance to bring April back and right its wrongs in its handling of that relationship, and the show certainly takes its best shot to do so.

April's second marriage is essentially annulled in the May 6 episode "Look Up Child," which shows the exes reuniting onscreen for the first time since Drew's exit in 2018. But since Jackson doesn't know about April's separation until the end of that episode, there is a limit to the amount of reconciliation that can happen (no kiss, much to the chagrin of Japril fans everywhere).

But the path to a future reconciliation is clear, at least: April is moving to Boston with Jackson and their daughter Harriet to help her ex realize his dream of running his family's foundation and creating measurable change for marginalized communities within medicine. So, there is hope for them in all aspects of their lives.

It's the perfect ending for both Jackson and the actor who's played him for over a decade.

Off-screen, Williams has built his career around activism work as much as acting. But the more I think about it, the more the end of Jackson's story hurts.

It's understandable that Williams wants to move on from "Grey's Anatomy," where his character has been thrown from one inconsequential relationship to the next since April was written off.

But, here's the thing: Why is "Grey's Anatomy" continuing on?

Jackson is departing "Grey's Anatomy" to help underserved communities - why not follow him there? ABC/Richard Cartwright

Why are we gearing up for the 18th season of a show centered around a privileged white woman when the writers have informed us that Jackson and April are leaving to work for oppressed people, who need better medical care in real life - and who also need to see their stories represented on TV?

By "represented," I don't mean given five minutes of screen-time in between scenes of doctors hooking up in supply closets. We need our stories to be the focus of multi-episode and multi-season arcs; we need more marginalized actors to be recurring guest stars and series regulars.

Jackson's mission as the head of the Fox Foundation in Boston presents Disney, ABC, Hulu, or any network with an opportunity to develop a Japril-centered spin-off show that is more than just entertaining - such a show is desperately needed.

And Drew wholeheartedly agrees.

"This is the moment when Jackson realizes 'I have this incredible opportunity to make real change in the world,'" she said in a May 7 Instagram Live with Williams, after "Look Up Child" aired, discussing a hypothetical spin-off. "Both of their hearts are pulling towards serving the community and changing it for the better and here [Jackson is] head of the foundation with resources to be able to actually do these things. How amazing to really kind of dive into medical justice?"

"Grey's Anatomy" even unintentionally gave this hypothetical spin-off the perfect name in one of Jackson and April's last scenes together in "Look Up Child."

Jackson is leaving April's house after she's told him she is single and will go to Boston with him. "Fingers crossed for new horizons," she says, which Jackson echoes.

Jackson and April are going to Boston together. ABC/Richard Cartwright

The "New Horizons" show in my head features a diverse cast of doctors and social-justice leaders, working with Jackson and April to address the most pressing issues facing marginalized communities.

The maternal mortality rate for Black women, gender reassignment surgery costs within the transgender community, and access to specialized care for disabled adults are just three examples of topics that such a show could - and should - bring to our screens.

There would be personal drama, too, of course. Romances and friendships between new characters would flourish, and Jackson and April would obviously have to find a path back to each other, plan a real wedding, and potentially have another child if they want one. But instead of will-they-won't-they, stale love triangles, and baits-and-switches, the "New Horizons" core would be made of the real issues that matter every week.

The show could also touch upon other impactful storylines, like the reality of being in an interracial relationship and what it's like to experience child loss. Jackson and April have never really had nuanced discussions about race on "Grey's Anatomy," nor have we seen them grieve their son together in many years.

Drew and Williams have done their best with the material they've been given in the past. But as leads, executive producers, and/or directors of their own show, I have no doubt they would help elevate storytelling standards on TV.

I often think about the night their son Samuel Avery died and I drank a bottle of wine about it.

The truth is, that storyline has impacted many viewers' lives and made many grieving parents feel seen. It isn't exactly used as a device to break up Jackson and April's marriage, but as a disabled woman who has done academic work about how disability is represented on the small screen, I maintain that Samuel should have lived.

Drew and Williams are such dedicated acting partners, especially when the material matters. They would have handled playing parents of a disabled son with the care it deserves.

But as much as so many of us may want to, we can't rewrite "Grey's Anatomy." One fact that remains is that Jackson and April, along with the actors behind their stories, have always brought magic to even the most mundane material they were given.

So, ABC, my fingers are crossed for "New Horizons" to be on the air by 2023, whether or not "Grey's Anatomy" is still trundling onward at that point. Because there are far more vital (and interesting) stories that can and need to be told, far beyond the walls of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

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It's time to let 'Grey's Anatomy' go and move on to a Jackson and April spin-off - the viewers deserve it - Yahoo News

The anatomy of the worlds first electric flying racing car – sUAS News

Some of the very first Mercedes, Bentleys and Renaults were racing cars. The pioneers of these marques knew that in order to advance a mobility revolution, they must build their machines for racing. At Airspeeder, we proudly echo that philosophy. To accelerate the arrival of advanced air mobility technology we must leverage sporting competition. The Airspeeder Mk3 is the result ofyears of engineering, testing and development with the pure purpose of creating the ultimate performance electric flying car.

Matthew Pearson, Founder, Airspeeder and Alauda Aeronautics

At Goodwood Speed Week, Airspeeder unveiled to the world the Mk3 racing prototype. This remotely-piloted craft showed the form of the worlds first full-scale and functional electric flying racing car. Today, the production version of this revolutionary vehicle is being created at the sports technical headquarters in Adelaide, South Australia. Airspeeder is proud to confirm the technical specifications of these craft before they participate in remotely piloted races throughout the second half of 2021.

Airspeeders mission is to accelerate a zero-emissions, advanced air-mobility revolution through intense sporting competition. This approach reflects the work of pioneers such as C.S Rolls, W.O Bentley and Karl Benz who built acceptance for what was then a revolutionary new technology, and accelerated their development, by going racing.

Alauda Aeronautics, sister-company to Airspeeder, is currently building ten of these vehicles for races set to take place on three continents in the coming months.

The eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) sector, which is predicted by Morgan Stanley to be worth $1.5 trillion by 2040, is already transforming logistics and even providing medical supplies to remote regions. However, the passenger transport side of the industry has been very much focused on what is termed electric flying taxis. These promise to transform urban environments and free them from congestion with safe and sustainable transport.

To realise the potential of this technology, a space and place must be created to rapidly accelerate the key elements that will underpin global mass-adoption of advanced air mobility for passenger applications. Racing, as it was for the motorcar and aeroplane, is the answer.

Airspeeder will pioneer a suite of technologies that will refine and demonstrate safety requirements, build acceptance for eVTOL and, as a form of future transport, answer key questions around battery technology, noise and regulation.

The Mk3 remotely-piloted electric flying racing car is at its heart a performance machine. At maximum power it delivers 320kW, equalling an Audi SQ7 performance SUV. The Audi weighs 2,500kg while an Airspeeder racing craft (without pilot) weighs just 130kg. It can lift a weight of more than 80kg, proving the viability of the powertrain for piloted races. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 2.8 seconds and the Speeder can climb to 500 meters.

A Speeder can turn with extraordinary speed when compared to a traditional fixed wing aircraft or helicopter. The Mk3 vehicle has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 3.5, which exceeds that of an F-15E Strike Eagle (thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.2), one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. The thrust-to-weight ratio, along with other powertrain characteristics, has been verified as part of the exhaustive testing and development programme that preceded the start of full production. Indeed, the rapid hairpin turning potential achieved through an octocopter format has been compared to that of a Formula 1 car, generating up to 5Gs, with the added capability to manoeuvre vertically.

The Airspeeder engineering and technical team is drawn from some of the leading names in performance and racing vehicle engineering including Mclaren, Tom Walkinshaw Racing and Brabham. On the aviation side of the garage, members of the team have led major projects in both civil and military aviation, including Project Lead Brett Hills experience as a flight dynamics specialist on the Boeing 747-8 programme.

Together they have developed an advanced carbon fibre structure, carrying strength and weight-saving benefits. Indeed, there is an obsession at Alauda with shedding grams to gain critical seconds in performance. An Airspeeder vehicle consists of a chassis and carbon fibre moulded tub-style skin. This ensures overall strength to maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle under extreme racing conditions and manoeuvres.

Batteries have been re-designed versus the previous iteration of the Airspeeder to have 90% more capacity with only a 50% increase in weight. The specification of these cells also delivers an exciting strategic layer. Power delivery profiles can be changed by ground-crews to respond to the different requirements of the electronically governed sky-tracks that Airspeeder pilots will follow. For example, a lay-out that demands rapid maneuvers through sharp turns and ascents will require a different power delivery curve from those that demand outright straight-line speed. Ground crews will have to make instant decisions around sacrificing raw power for outright range.

Every Airspeeder includes rapid pit stops. To facilitate this, Alaudas engineers have developed an innovative slide and lock system for the rapid removal and replacement of batteries when on the ground. This technology debuts on the Mk3. Intense internal competition between inhouse pit-crews has driven the pitstop time down to just 14 seconds, which is entirely compatible with any form of ground-based legacy motorsport. This is expected to continue to fall. For context, a Formula 1 pitstop used to take more than a minute.

Airspeeder employs a systems-based approach to safety. This is a recognised methodology from military, civilian and performance aviation. This means that no single operational failure can lead to loss of the primary function of the vehicle, which is controlled flight.

In the early stages of the Mk3s development simulation, bench testing and integration testing techniques were employed to fully map out these systems. Ahead of live testing, this gave engineers confidence that in the event of a systems failure, vehicles will remain in the air but at reduced performance to ensure the pilot, whether operating remotely in the case of the Mk3, or in the cockpit in future iterations, will be able to safely return to the ground.

During flights, all systems are monitored on the ground through state-of-the-art telemetry. This means that groundcrew are immediately aware of issues and can take appropriate action to bring the craft to ground under control.

Prioritising safety is also inherent to the architecture of the vehicle. The octocopter layout ensures stability in the event of rotor failure or breakage, while the carbon fibre structure of the Speeder has been engineered for overall structural integrity.

The Mk3, which will be operated by an expert remote operator from the ground, features a suite of technologies and engineering elements never before seen on an eVTOL craft. These innovations will be validated in this key uncrewed proving phase and include LiDAR and Radar collision avoidance systems that create a virtual forcefield around the craft to ensure close but ultimately safe racing.

THE AIRSPEEDER Mk3 | DRIVEN BY DATA:

Terabytes of data from sensors within every area of the Speeders architecture is drawn over any testing or racing cycle. This means on-the-ground pit crews are able to constantly analyse and react to even the smallest variance in performance. From a racing perspective this dictates strategy and pilot approach, and in overall technical terms allows engineers to understand details like aerodynamic performance and even adjust propeller settings in accordance with Speeder behaviour in a multitude of conditions.

Airspeeder works with global cyber protection leader Acronis and their delivery partner Teknov8 to secure this data.

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The anatomy of the worlds first electric flying racing car - sUAS News