The study found that positive pressure ventilation significantly reduced temperatures and smoke in corridors and stairwells, making them safer for occupants and responders. The experiment involved 11 NIST researchers and over 70 local staff, simulating real-world conditions to assess the effectiveness of PPV in multistory buildings.
Scientists have created a prototype carbon nanotube knife that could revolutionize cell biology by enabling precise cuts and 3D images of cells. The device, which stretches between two electrochemically sharpened tungsten needles, has shown promising results in mechanical strength tests.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing advanced sensor processing algorithms to help robot forklifts verify the location and orientation of pallets laden with goods. The experimental system utilizes two onboard LADAR devices to negotiate obstacles and hone in on warehouse pallets.
Researchers have developed an 'audio telescope' system that uses microphone arrays to locate and identify birds by their unique calls. The system can distinguish between different species within seconds, improving airport safety and reducing costly collisions.
Researchers at NIST successfully transferred orbital angular momentum from light to sodium atoms, demonstrating control over the state of an atom. This breakthrough enables manipulation of Bose-Einstein condensates and potentially quantum information systems.
A new web-based system, ThermoML, has demonstrated improved data quality and access for researchers in thermodynamics. The system catches and corrects errors in about 10% of journal articles, enhancing the overall research experience.
A new scanning microscopy technique, SPIM, combines high spatial resolution with sensitivity to subtle electrical activity, enabling the visualization of both electronic and physical patterns in devices. The method has been successfully validated by comparing its images with atomic force microscopy scans.
Researchers developed a method to construct scaffold libraries made from controlled polymer blend compositions, which can predict the behavior of thousands of possible tyrosine-derived blends. This innovative line of research aims to develop rapid and inexpensive methods to optimize biomaterial properties.
Researchers at NIST have developed a highly sensitive technique called delayed neutron activation analysis to improve the detection of nuclear materials. The technique can detect trace amounts of uranium-235 and plutonium-239 in less than three minutes, making it crucial for homeland security.
Researchers at NIST have successfully purified entangled atom pairs using a nondestructive method, which could improve the quality of particles for practical applications in quantum computing and communications. The purification rate is significantly higher than previous experiments with photons.
Researchers at NIST have confirmed the presence and action of specific molecules in a nanoscale test structure, enabling magnetic switching behavior. The use of organic molecules preserves electron spins, allowing for potentially superior properties compared to conventional electronics.
Researchers create experimental models of hierarchical topologies by mixing components in a fluid and then 'freezing' them in place. This method allows for the study of self-assembly at the nano-scale, enabling diverse industries to generate new materials with enhanced properties such as super adhesion and low friction.
Researchers at NIST have measured the Einstein-de Haas effect in a ferromagnetic thin film, shedding light on magnetization dynamics and g-factor calculations. The study provides a proof-of-concept for using this effect to determine critical material properties for data storage and spintronics applications.
The HLPR Chair system provides powered mobility and allows patients to move to and from beds, chairs, and toilets without assistance. It reduces caregiver and patient injuries through its lifting ability and center of gravity management.
New NIST study reveals portable radios can't withstand high-temp fires without protective gear, posing communication risks to firefighters. Radios inside pockets or gear fared better, but exposed components failed quickly.
Government laboratories can quickly analyze radioactive samples but with variable accuracy and quality control procedures. The NIST tests found that measurement capability is generally accurate within 30% of the expected value.
Scientists from LANL, NIST and Albion College generated and transmitted secret quantum keys over 184.6 km of fiber-optic cable, setting a new record distance for quantum key distribution. The team used innovative sensors to detect single photons, improving the security of quantum encryption and paving the way for practical applications.
Researchers at NIST and NC State University found that Prozac can interfere with freshwater mussels' reproductive cycle. The study, which examined fluoxetine's effect on native mussels, raises concerns about potential health impacts for humans and animals due to continuous exposure to pharmaceuticals in waterways.
Researchers have discovered how nanoscale magnetic oscillators communicate using spin waves, enabling them to synchronize signals and achieve stronger signal strength. This finding has implications for designing nano-oscillator arrays for use in cell phones, radar systems, or computer chips.
Researchers at JILA demonstrated that gold nanoparticles can be trapped and detected six times more easily than polystyrene particles of similar size. However, the high heating effect could damage molecules under study, limiting their use in temperature-sensitive experiments.
NIST launches ILThermo, a free online database of physical properties for ionic liquids, including thermodynamic, transport, and structural information. The database includes over 200 ions and 300 ionic liquids with calculated uncertainties, facilitating comparison of measurements.
Scientists at NIST have developed a technique to move a single atom between two positions on a crystal surface using an electron beam. The method improved our understanding of the science behind atomic switching and allows for spatial mapping of the probability of an electron exciting the desired atom motion.
Researchers can now observe water production and removal in fuel cells under various conditions, enabling better management of water quantities. The facility enhances the understanding of fuel cell performance, reliability, and durability.
Researchers at NIST determined the three-dimensional shape of class IV adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme found in plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. The unusual configuration may play a role in disrupting cell processes in infected hosts, highlighting the importance of molecular data for developing defenses against plague and other pathogens.
Researchers use X-ray microbeam to measure stresses and strains in deformed metal, confirming a 20-year-old theory. The study provides quantitative data to support computer models of mechanical stress, offering new insights into the behavior of metals.
DNA damage in stroma tissue may predict breast cancer risk, according to a recent study. The researchers found that specific DNA lesions were more common in women aged 33-46, which corresponds with the rise in breast cancer incidence during this age group.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed a new precision instrument for directly measuring AC voltages, which is expected to improve measurement accuracy by 1,000-fold at low voltages. The instrument uses Josephson junction technology to generate precise AC pulses over a range of audio frequencies.
Researchers at NIST have created LEDs that emit light in a specific direction, increasing brightness by up to 41% compared to conventional designs. The novel nanostructure may be cheaper and more effective for biomedical imaging applications.
Scientists at NIST created 'hydrosomes,' tiny water droplets that naturally encapsulate biomolecules, allowing for easy manipulation and analysis. The technique enables the study of single molecule dynamics and may lead to the development of molecule-sorting devices for medical screening or biotechnology research.
NIST's Multimodal Biometric Application Resource Kit (MBARK) enables flexible and reliable multimodal biometric applications by providing standardized middleware for integrating sensors from different manufacturers. This solution reduces complexity and costs, facilitating the development of secure sites and border access.
The study reveals that externally applied force influences the dispersion and orientation of carbon nanotubes in composites. The researchers mapped out a phase diagram to estimate the resulting order and achieved desirable properties.
Physicists at NIST have developed a portable atomic clock based on a single mercury ion, outperforming the national standard clock by at least five times. The improved version of the mercury clock maintains accuracy for over 400 million years, opening up new possibilities for ultra-precise timekeeping and frequency standards.
Researchers developed a new X-ray diffraction imaging technique to study crystal defects in strained silicon films. The technique reveals that defects created at the interface between layers propagate through the film, affecting its performance. This discovery could improve the manufacturing process for high-performance transistors.
Physicists at NIST have developed a novel electromagnetic trap for ions that could be mass produced to build large-scale quantum computers. The new trap, described in Physical Review Letters, uses a 'chip-like' geometry to confine ions and has shown promise in trapping multiple ions without generating excessive heat.
Scientists at NIST and partner institutions report strong evidence that magnetic fluctuations enable resistance-free passage of electric current in high-temperature superconductors. The findings should open new avenues of research into the exotic properties of these materials.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to reliably measure the noise in CMOS devices, improving signal ranges and clearer signals. The measurement method may also enhance modeling of CMOS transistors and improve precision in device characterization.
Researchers developed a new method to measure the stiffness of soft substrates by using sensor films with known properties. The technique tracks changes in stiffness across gradients of material properties, allowing for the mapping of spatial variations in rigidity in complex materials.
NIST and DuPont researchers have developed a nondestructive method for measuring how temperature affects the electrical properties of common circuit board materials, including ceramic, polymer, and glass. The technique enables faster, less expensive, and easier testing, as well as improved performance in designing circuits and substrates.
Frangible bullets are becoming increasingly popular due to their lead-free nature and reduced risk of exposure. NIST researchers have developed a Kolsky bar apparatus to test the performance of these bullets on various materials, including soft body armors worn by law enforcement officers.
The new NIST technique coats a silicon wafer with a brush-like copolymer surface, varying the relative concentration of two components along the length of the substrate. This method accommodates a wide variety of materials and can produce test surfaces for studying surface phenomena in fields like tissue engineering and materials science.
NIST researchers create a microfluidics technique to isolate and pattern neuronal cells on surfaces, allowing for the study of cell development and behavior. This breakthrough enables a variety of cell-geometry experiments, such as measuring the maximum gap between lines that can be bridged by neural axons and dendrites.
NIST researchers have developed a more accurate method for measuring distillation curves, which are crucial for characterizing fuel composition and performance. The new approach eliminates uncertainties and systematic errors, enabling better correlation with thermodynamic theory used in modern fuels and engines.
NIST researchers have successfully grown gallium nitride alloy nanowires with intense ultraviolet and visible light emission. The wires' high light output and defect-free structure enable reliable room-temperature measurements, while their versatility makes them suitable for various devices, including sensors and transistors.
Precision biochemistry techniques track DNA damage in fish, identifying low-level lesions that correlate with pollution. These biomarkers can provide a direct measure of contaminant impact and assess pollution remediation efforts.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is testing wearable sensor systems at the US Army Aberdeen Test Center. The sensors aim to capture data such as vehicle sound, images, speech, and specific types of weapon fire, which will be compared to soldiers' after-action reports.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will develop a measurement assessment material for proteins, mimicking human plasma proteome complexity. This collaboration aims to evaluate existing proteomic technologies, develop new ones, and establish reliable measurement tools for cancer research.
A team from NIST and GMU developed a simple method to bond polymeric microfluidic devices using capillary action. By injecting solvent through tiny channels, the plates are welded together quickly and efficiently.
A National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) workshop has led to the creation of a shared framework for artificial intelligence in machines. This agreement enables machines to interpret commands with near human common sense, potentially transforming manufacturing processes.
Researchers at NIST have successfully trapped erbium atoms using laser cooling, enabling the creation of a Bose-Einstein condensate and producing single photons with potential uses in telecommunications. The technique holds promise for developing novel devices and applications in quantum computing and materials science.
Researchers at JILA improved molecular measurement precision, enabling tests of the fine structure constant's evolution over time. This could reveal changes in the strength of electromagnetic interactions.