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National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)


AI may come to the rescue of future firefighters

Researchers developed a Flashover Prediction Neural Network (FlashNet) model to forecast deadly fire events, beating other AI-based tools with up to 92.1% accuracy across various building floorplans. The model's performance improved when given real-world data, highlighting its potential for saving firefighter lives.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·DateAug 10, 2022

Scientists identify potential bioindicators for monitoring plastic pollution in the North Pacific Ocean

Researchers have identified 12 marine species as potential bioindicators for monitoring plastic pollution in the North Pacific Ocean. These species, including Pacific oyster and long-nosed lancetfish, can help assess the extent of plastic pollution and inform effective reduction measures.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 6, 2022

NIST study shows everyday plastic products release trillions of microscopic particles into water

Researchers analyzed food-grade nylon bags and single-use beverage cups, finding that they release trillions of nanoparticles per liter when exposed to hot water. The average size of these nanoparticles was between 30-80 nanometers, with concentrations seven times higher from nylon bags than from beverage cups.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 20, 2022

First complete human genome poised to strengthen genetic analysis, NIST study shows

The T2T consortium's completed human genome has shown significant improvements in DNA sequencing accuracy, correcting tens of thousands of errors and revealing millions of genetic variations. This new reference genome can support the analysis of over 200 genes of medical relevance, potentially propelling research into genetic disorders.

NIST researchers link cutting-edge gravity research to safer operation of construction cranes

Researchers from NIST have developed a mathematical model that predicts the strength and timing of changes in velocity required for crane operators to apply when transporting heavy loads. This equation can be applied to various situations, including moving a load with initial rest and large distances.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2022

Businesses run by minorities, women and vets disproportionately affected by pandemic, NIST, NOAA study finds

A new study found that businesses run by minorities, women, and veterans were more likely to experience negative effects from the pandemic than non-HUGO businesses. The researchers analyzed responses from over 1,350 businesses and found that demographic factors played a significant role in determining a business's resilience during the...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateFeb 14, 2022

NIST, collaborators uncover new details on the formation of ‘metal soaps’ in oil paint hindering the conservation of artworks

A team of scientists has discovered a range of metal carboxylates, known as 'metal soaps', that form in oil paintings and cause damage over time. These compounds are often composed of zinc and lead pigments, but other metals like aluminum and calcium can also be present.

New benchmark could improve detection of genetic variants linked to spinal muscular atrophy, other diseases

A new DNA benchmark, developed by NIST and collaborators, enables more accurate detection of genetic variants linked to diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy. The benchmark, based on HiFi sequencing technology, helps labs and clinics sequence genes with high accuracy, critical for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Strobe light for 5G: NIST imaging system spotlights the tiny mechanical hearts at the core of every cellphone

Researchers at NIST developed an instrument to image acoustic waves over a wide range of frequencies with unprecedented detail. The new instrument captures these waves by relying on an optical interferometer, allowing for the creation of three-dimensional movies of microresonators' vibrational modes.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2022

Sneezes, rain clouds and ink jets: NIST improves the ability of optical microscopes to measure the volume of microdroplets

Researchers at NIST developed new standards and calibrations for optical microscopes, enabling accurate measurement of microdroplet volumes smaller than 100 trillionths of a liter. They combined microscopy with gravimetry to verify results, linking their findings to fundamental constants of nature.

JILA’s comb breathalyzer is now a thousandfold more sensitive to disease biomarkers

Researchers at JILA have enhanced the sensitivity of their decade-old frequency comb breathalyzer to detect four biomarkers of disease in human breath. The upgraded system can also identify six additional chemicals, with potential implications for COVID-19 testing and real-time health monitoring.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Groundbreaking technique yields important new details on silicon, subatomic particles and possible ‘fifth force’

NIST scientists use a novel technique to measure the properties of silicon crystals, revealing new insights into subatomic particles and the strength of a possible fifth force. The results provide improved precision and complementary information for both X-ray and neutron scattering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021

NIST uses method to understand the molecular underpinnings of a disease affecting corals

Researchers at NIST used an emerging molecular profiling method to analyze a type of tumor-like disease called growth anomalies in corals. The study identified 18 small molecules that promise to help better understand the series of molecular reactions leading to the disease, which affects coral skeletons and soft tissues.

NIST, collaborators develop new method to better study microscopic plastics in the ocean

Researchers developed a novel method to detect and characterize nanoplastics in ocean water by using small invertebrates. The technique uses asymmetrical-flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and Raman spectroscopy to separate and identify nanoplastics, providing a more accurate measurement of these tiny plastics.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMicroplastics and Nanoplastics·DateMay 21, 2021

Novel circuitry solves a myriad of computationally intensive problems with minimum energy

Researchers created a design for an electronic hardware system that directly replicates network architectures, solving complex puzzles rapidly and with minimal power consumption. This new approach uses race logic to encode and process information as time signals, reducing the need for bit flips and thus energy expenditure.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACM Journal on Emerging Technologies in Computing Systems·DateMay 11, 2021

NIST develops privacy-preserving 'encounter metrics' that could slow down future pandemics

Researchers at NIST developed a method using encounter metrics to measure interactions between individuals, promoting user anonymity. The system uses encrypted encounter IDs and ultrasonic ranging for accurate distance measurement, potentially slowing the spread of future pandemics.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology·DateMar 29, 2021