Researchers have developed a novel microfluidics system using magnetic switches to trap and transport magnetic beads. The technology offers random access control and a memory that lasts even with power off, making it suitable for biotechnology and medical diagnostics applications.
A new method developed at NIST enables the creation of unique features in diamond, allowing for precise cuts and potentially leading to improvements in nanometrology. The method could also improve MEMS devices used in cell phones, gyroscopes, and medical implants, making them more durable and efficient.
New research at NIST finds that controlling stem cell shape can induce specific types of cells, offering a simpler and cheaper alternative to biochemical supplements. The study compared five scaffold designs and found that only one, nanofiber scaffolds, successfully directed stem cells into bone-like structures.
Researchers warn that building codes may overestimate safety in regions prone to both seismic and wind hazards, increasing the risk of structural damage. A new method assesses combined risks using a common metric, showing that dual-hazard conditions can double the risk of failure.
Researchers at NIST and Clemson University measured the energy of highly charged ion impacts on thin film surfaces, revealing that 27% of the remaining energy goes into changing the material's shape. This study aims to improve predictive models for surface damage and erosion in various industries, including fusion reactors.
Scientists at NIST have discovered a way to store hydrogen efficiently using iron-doped magnesium, which can absorb and release hydrogen quickly and safely. The iron veins create channels within the metal grains that allow for fast hydrogen transport.
Physicists at NIST achieved a record-low probability of error in quantum information processing with a single qubit, meeting theoretical requirements for building viable quantum computers. The experiment used microwaves and a copper vacuum chamber to reduce errors, achieving an error rate of 1 per 50,000 logic operations.
Researchers from NIST and Applied Research Associates Inc. have expanded the reach of their novel microfluidic system for analyzing chemical components of complex samples. The new work demonstrates how the system can analyze negatively charged components as well, overcoming a major challenge in sample analysis.
Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland have developed a new photon loop technology that could lead to more efficient information processors and enable exploration of the quantum Hall effect. The technology uses multiple rows of resonators to build alternate pathways, allowing photons to bypass defects in microchips.
A NIST research team has created a potential solution to capturing cells using electric fields while keeping them alive. Their innovative technique, involving polyelectrolyte and fibronectin layers, reduces cell exposure time and improves long-term function, enabling up to week-long survival rates.
Recent tests by NIST suggest device reliability is a major issue with carbon nanotubes. The material can sustain high current densities but slowly degrades under constant current, leading to circuit failures in about 40 hours.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed test methods to evaluate the reliability of wireless alarm beacons for firefighters and emergency responders. The tests found that even weak signals can cause delays or failures, making it essential to ensure these devices operate reliably in realistic conditions.
Physicists at NIST have successfully linked the quantum properties of two separated ions by manipulating them with microwaves, enabling a new approach to simplify ion-trap quantum computers. The use of microwaves reduces errors introduced by laser beam instabilities and power fluctuations.
Researchers at NIST and Texas A&M University developed a coating made of carbon nanofibers and polymers that significantly reduces flammability in polyurethane foam. The coating achieved reductions of up to 158 percent better than nonhalogen flame retardants and 1,138 percent better than halogen-phosphorous flame retardants.
Researchers at NIST discover that bacteria feeding on ethanol can boost fatigue crack growth rates by up to 25 times. The study highlights the importance of controlling bacterial growth during ethanol transport to prevent pipeline degradation.
Researchers at NIST describe using tailored DNA strands to purify armchair carbon nanotubes, essential for 'quantum wires'. This breakthrough enables mass production of these nanotubes, promising 10x better conductivity and lower loss.
Researchers at NIST have created a dense array of extra-long carbon nanotubes called VANTA, which absorbs nearly all light of long wavelengths, making it a promising coating for prototype detectors. The coating is easy to handle and has desirable thermal properties.
Researchers at NIST have created a measurement technique that determines mechanical properties of near-nanoscale films, enabling better design for water purification systems. The study reveals chlorine causes progressive deterioration in membrane performance over time, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers at NIST and UMD demonstrate that well-dispersed clay nanofillers in polymers significantly improve fire resistance. The study reveals that dispersed clay plates form a network structure, slowing degradation and reducing flammability.
Researchers at NIST have created a chip-scale, microwave version of an optics experiment that places a single microwave photon in two frequencies, or colors, at the same time. This experiment demonstrates quantum superposition and has potential applications for linear optical quantum computing.
Research team discovers how simple processing errors can degrade graphene's electrical properties, causing bottlenecks in electron flow. Heating the graphene may be a solution to remove contaminant molecules, ensuring its unique properties are maintained for commercial applications.
Researchers at NIST have developed a technique to calm the vibrations of a microscopic aluminum drum to the quantum ground state, allowing for longer storage of individual packets of energy. The drum's motion is slowed by applying microwave light, enabling applications in quantum computing and testing of quantum theory.
Researchers at NIST have developed a tungsten-silicon alloy that significantly improves the efficiency of ultrafast single-photon detectors, enabling their use in quantum communications and computing systems. The new detection method can capture photons across longer wavelengths, including those used in telecommunications.
The NIST researchers developed an evaluative framework called SCORE to assess the performance of systems and their components, providing a unified set of criteria and software tools for emerging technologies evaluation. The framework helps maximize contributions without biasing test results and provides flexibility over time.
Researchers have created a uniform, controllable core-shell nanoparticle that can be made-to-order with precise shape and size. This nanoparticle testbed enables the study of controlled variations in biological systems, facilitating the development of better nanomaterials.
Physicists at NIST generated microwave signals with improved purity and stability using a new optical frequency comb-based system. The apparatus has the potential to improve signal stability and resolution in radar, communications, and navigation systems, as well as certain types of atomic clocks.
Researchers have developed nano-sized sensors that detect harmful pollutants at lower concentrations and with greater reliability than traditional commercial gas sensors. The new nanowire sensors operate at room temperature, reducing power consumption and enabling more widespread use.
Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a unique fluid-tuned 'metasurface,' which can concentrate energy in a material and change its properties. The metasurface's resonant frequency can be tuned by adding purified water, allowing it to reflect, store, or transmit energy.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hosted three robotics competitions to prove advanced robotics and microrobotics technologies. The Virtual Manufacturing Automation Competition and Mobile Microrobotics Challenge evaluated teams' ability to assemble components and navigate microbots, respectively.
Scientists at NIST have developed a method to capture metal-based nanoparticles on a surface and release them at the desired moment, allowing for effective assessment of their toxicity in cell cultures. This approach enables precise delivery of particles to cells, mimicking real-world encounters, and reducing clumping issues.
A new software tool from NIST assesses the climate suitability of natural ventilation in office buildings, considering adaptive thermal comfort standards and humidity levels. The Climate Suitability Tool provides estimates of ventilation rates and effective cooling hours, aiding architects in designing more efficient ventilation systems.
Researchers at NIST have identified a class of decorative defects in graphene that could alter its unique properties, including strength and conductivity. The discovery may lead to the development of more resilient materials.
A new study by NIST and George Mason University researchers may have found the optimal characteristics for a type of computer memory based on nanowires. The technology has the potential to store information faster and at lower voltage, making it suitable for applications such as portable computers and cell phones.
Researchers found that bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales accumulate more chemical pollutants when living and feeding in waters near urbanized areas. POPs were detected in the highest concentrations, with PCBs being the most prevalent pollutant.
The NIST sensor detects many different trace gases at fast rates with high sensitivity, built from off-the-shelf technology for portability and commercial potential. The key is using radiation at terahertz frequencies to rotate gas molecules uniquely for identification and measurement.
Researchers have developed a method to compute a tiny temperature-dependent error source in atomic clocks with unprecedented accuracy. This correction could represent a significant step towards creating an atomic clock with precision equivalent to one second of error every 32 billion years.
Physicists at NIST have demonstrated a super-stable laser operating in a minivan, showing its potential for field use in geodesy, hydrology and space-based physics experiments. The laser was tested with the vehicle stationary and moving at speeds of less than 1 meter per second, remaining stable enough for some applications.
Researchers at NIST have shown that two layers of graphene exhibit random patterns of alternating positive and negative charges due to substrate interactions. This discovery brings graphene closer to being used in practical electronic devices.
The NIST framework analyzes sustainability standards using the Zachman framework, providing a structured approach to selecting and implementing effective standards. This helps small and medium-size enterprises identify relevant standards, measure progress, and report results, ultimately boosting their sustainability efforts.
Researchers tracked loggerhead sea turtles and found that persistent organic pollutants accumulate in their systems as they travel further north along the Atlantic coast. The studies also suggest that pollutants may pose a threat to the survival of this endangered species.
Researchers at NIST created nanomagnets with egg-like shapes to study their effects on magnetic properties. The shape distortions led to complex wave patterns and frequency shifts, which can be harnessed for developing more reliable random-access memories (RAM) that reduce processor power needs.
Researchers at NIST found that polyester-rayon wipes and extraction solutions with surfactants improve spore recovery efficiency. The team discovered that vortexing is more effective than sonication in removing spores.
A NIST study reveals that glass transition process is related to molecules moving in long strings around frozen atoms, influencing viscosity. The team's computer model confirms this relationship and provides a firm computational underpinning for material design.
Researchers found that ice makers in four different refrigerators increased rated energy consumption by 12 to 20 percent, with three-fourths of the extra energy used for heaters. This study aims to improve efficiency and inform federal minimum efficiency standards for refrigerators.
A group of radiologists and biochemists have developed a new approach to improve the accuracy and reliability of medical imaging. By creating standardized benchmarks and calibration objects, they aim to provide hard numbers that can be used to justify treatments and accelerate cancer treatment approvals.
Researchers have developed a microreactor to improve biodegradable polymer production by using enzymes. The continuous flow process accelerates reaction rates and improves enzyme recovery, showing promise for commercial-scale applications.
Researchers at NIST and University of California, Irvine, developed a way to magnify cell membranes up to 1,000 times resolution, revealing the importance of cholesterol in maintaining membrane order. The findings suggest that cholesterol may have profound consequences for gatekeeper proteins, which interact constantly with the membrane.
NIST has broken ground on three new facilities: a net-zero energy residential test facility, an expanded National Fire Research Laboratory, and over 2,500 solar energy modules. The Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility will serve as a testbed for new home-scale energy technologies, while the National Fire Research Laboratory expans...
Scientists at NIST and UM create a toroidal Bose-Einstein condensate with ultracold sodium atoms, exhibiting superfluidity and persistent flow. The circuit includes a tunable weak link barrier that controls the atom current to specific values.
Researchers from NIST have created a new method to make neutral atoms behave as if they are charged particles in an electric field. This allows for the simulation and study of fundamental electrical phenomena, including superconductivity and the quantum Hall effect. The synthetic electric fields mimic the behavior of charged particles ...