The probable collapse sequences for the World Trade Center (WTC) towers reveal a complex interplay of factors leading to their collapse, including fires fueled by building contents and jet fuel. The sequences update and finalize hypotheses released by NIST, supported by extensive computer modeling and evidence.
Researchers at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a method to create nanoporous, conducting polymer films that can detect toxic gases. The process uses electrostatic repulsion to pattern the polyaniline particles on complex device structures.
A new study estimates the economic costs of firefighter injuries to be between $2.8 and $7.8 billion, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and prevention programs. The report recommends investing in technologies such as robots for reconnaissance and early detection systems to reduce injury costs.
Researchers at JILA used noise patterns in images of ultracold potassium clouds to visualize entangled atom pairs, shedding light on a key phenomenon in quantum physics. The discovery could have implications for the development of quantum computers and highly sensitive measurement techniques.
A new Standard Reference Material, SRM 2394, has been developed by NIST researchers to aid in the detection of low-frequency mutations in heteroplasmic DNA. The material provides a set of mixtures at 10 certified concentrations of two DNA fragments differing at one position.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched a new web site to increase the use of voluntary consensus standards in federal regulations. The site offers a broad perspective on government standards, featuring a searchable database and links to 12 federal departments' standards information.
A new quantum computer architecture, proposed by NIST scientist Emanuel Knill, overcomes the fragility of qubits by using a pyramid-style hierarchy and teleportation to continuously double-check accuracy. This approach enables reliable computing even if individual logic operations make errors up to 3 percent of the time.
Researchers have successfully created artificial atoms using superconducting materials, allowing for the measurement of quantum properties in two interconnected devices. This breakthrough enables the development of simple logic operations using artificial atoms, a crucial step toward building superconducting quantum computers.
The USDA will use NIST's Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) tool to evaluate the environmental and economic performance of biobased products over their life cycles. Biobased products made from renewable materials will be preferred in federal procurement.
A new Standard Reference Material from NIST will help clinical genetics labs accurately count fragile-X repeat sequences. The SRM 2399 consists of nine DNA samples with triplet repeats ranging from 20 to 118, ensuring quality control and check on test procedures.
Researchers will conduct detailed measurements and analysis of contaminants in building plumbing systems to inform effective responses to contamination incidents. The study's findings will support the development of EPA guidelines for protecting drinking water supplies within buildings.
The new test structures provide a wider range of reference feature sizes and are measured more precisely than previously available materials. Industry can use these reference materials to calibrate tools to reliably measure microprocessor-device gates.
A recent NIST report found that automatic sprinkler systems significantly reduce the risk of fatal temperatures and toxic gases in dormitories. In experiments with and without sprinklers, researchers observed a major difference in temperature levels and gas spread, highlighting the importance of fire safety measures in college housing.
Researchers at NIST develop a novel optical imaging technique that uses structured illumination to reveal details as small as 40 nanometers. This breakthrough could transform chip-making and other industries by enabling the creation of nanometer-scale features.
Physicists at NIST have proven the existence of atomic chain 'anchors' with lower energy levels than inner atoms. This discovery may help scientists design one-dimensional nanostructures, such as electrical wires, with tailored electrical properties.
Researchers at NIST developed a simple, chemical way to attach electrical contacts to molecular-scale electronic components. The technique, patented by the institute, uses copper ions to form strong, chemically bonded contacts that protect fragile molecules during further metallic vapor deposition steps.
Physicists at NIST recreate key process for nuclear energy production in dense stars using ultracold crystals. The experiments may help study nuclear fusion as an energy source and demonstrate a new method for modeling dense stellar objects.
Scientists at NIST have developed prototype pyroelectric detectors coated with carbon nanotubes, showing improved heat conduction and laser resistance. The coating absorbs light and converts it to heat, generating a current that measures the power of the laser.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) advises organizations to carefully consider the security implications of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) systems. Implementing common security measures, such as firewalls and encryption, can result in poor voice quality and blocked calls if not done properly.
The XCCDF specification document provides a flexible, vendor-neutral format for measuring conformance to security benchmarks and generating records of benchmark tests. NIST is developing computer security checklists for widely used government agencies with the help of organizations like NSA and DHS.
The NIST/EPA study found frequent instances of underventilation and overventilation in US buildings, leading to poor air quality and occupant discomfort. Regular maintenance checks are urged to address these issues.
Researchers at NIST have developed a low-power, mini clock design inspired magnetometer that can detect magnetic field changes as small as 50 picoteslas. The device is about the size of a grain of rice and can be powered with batteries.
A new study by NIST/EPA finds high concentrations of PBDEs in household dust, suggesting a primary source of exposure for humans. Small children are at highest risk due to their tendency to put hands and toys in their mouths.
Researchers tested recordable optical disks' durability in various conditions, finding that some can store data for decades. The Government Information Preservation Working Group is setting requirements for archival quality media, allowing organizations to identify suitable high-quality media for long-term data storage.
The microchip industry is struggling to achieve precise timing as device dimensions and tolerances continue to shrink. To address this issue, NIST is supporting the development of time synchronization standards in collaboration with International SEMATECH's e-Manufacturing initiatives.
Researchers at NIST developed a software tool that analyzes X-ray data to identify rare contaminant particles, such as chromium and copper, in ultrapure metals and nanoscale semiconductor fabrication. The tool improves the analysis of X-ray data from scanning electron microscopes and has been included in commercial products.
Physicists at NIST have developed a method for automatically correcting data-handling errors in quantum computers, enabling potentially massive computational power. The approach exploits entanglement of atoms to create redundant data sets and correct errors, making it more practical than previous methods.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School found that preparing for extreme events depends on a complex interplay between risk assessment, perception, and management. Understanding cumulative effects can increase people's willingness to take actions to mitigate risks.
A new five-year project at NIST seeks to create standardized measurement methods and diagnostic probes for organic electronics. The goal is to accelerate the development of practical plastic microchips, which could enable large-area applications like wall-sized electronic murals.
Researchers at JILA have developed an efficient method to measure and control atomic energy levels with extremely high accuracy. The technique uses ultrafast pulses of laser light to record in real-time the energy required to boost atoms' outer electrons, enabling fine-tuning with lower power lasers.
Physicists at NIST create an optical nose technique that can identify a single atom or molecule in gas samples with minute concentrations. The method uses infrared laser beams and mirrors to detect gases at very low pressures and varying frequencies.
Gene expression is a complex process that translates genetic information into biological activity, impacting various diseases. NIST's Metrology for Gene Expression Program aims to evaluate and standardize microarray analysis techniques to ensure quality and comparability.
Researchers at NIST have developed a method to grow well-formed, single-crystal zinc oxide nanowires with precise alignments using gold nanoparticles as anchors. The technique produces horizontal semiconductor wires only 3 nanometers in diameter, overcoming the challenge of working with atomic-scale components.
The AEX XML Schemas specify ways to express equipment requirements, enabling seamless data exchange and automating design collaboration. NIST and FIATECH plan to extend the standard to cover more types of equipment.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a new software program that judges the quality of scanned fingerprints. The software assigns a quality level ranging from 1 for high-quality prints to 5 for unusable prints, helping ensure accurate matches.
The NIST real-time audiotape imaging system uses a customized magnetic sensor array to detect and map microscopic magnetic fields on tapes as they are played. This enables the creation of images that correlate sounds with magnetic marks on tape, aiding in the determination of authenticity.
Physicists at NIST propose new way to slow light down to almost one-millionth its usual speed using a stable pulsed laser in cryogenic gas. This method could help simplify and reduce the cost of high-speed optical communications, enabling faster signal routing and data synchronization.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has reanalyzed the wind loads that the World Trade Center (WTC) towers were originally designed to resist, finding that the values used in the design exceed those established by building codes prior to 1968. The study suggests that the WTC towers' reserve capacity to withstand u...
Researchers at NIST studied four pharmaceuticals and their reactions with chlorine, finding multiple products some of which are highly toxic. The resulting compounds were more hydrophobic than the original drugs, raising concerns about potential environmental and health impacts.
Researchers examined software tools designed to acquire information from PDAs, including deleted data and user passwords. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and limitations of these tools.
NIST has awarded up to $80.1 million in funding for 32 new advanced technology program (ATP) projects, spanning various key technology areas including energy, medical diagnostics, electronics, and computer interfaces. The projects aim to improve productivity, facilitate trade, and enhance quality of life.
Researchers use custom-built microscope to manipulate cobalt atoms on a copper lattice, observing and controlling atomic motion. The 'hip hop' sound effect is generated by converting electronic signals into audio, allowing real-time monitoring of atom position.
Researchers have developed a simpler design for x-ray detectors that offers 30 times better energy resolution than existing detectors, enabling more accurate identification of elements. The new design combines normal and superconducting metals into one layer, reducing fabrication steps and increasing sensor stability.
The 'shoelacing' technique allows for quick activation of emergency phone service by connecting surviving phone system links and Internet links. By the end of the ATP project in Spring 2005, TeleContinuity plans to develop an enhanced version with advanced Web-based controls.
A recent report by NIST and RTI International estimates software difficulties in the construction industry have significant financial implications. The analysis breaks down data exchange-related losses across design, construction, and operations stages, identifying barriers to improvement.
A new process, Organ Recovery Systems, preserves transplant tissues/organs at refrigerator temperatures and minimizes damage from ice crystals. This technique reduces toxicity of cryoprotectants and enables long-term storage, potentially increasing organ availability worldwide.
A new microfluidic device developed by NIST researchers can be used to make specialty polymers in small amounts or rapidly change polymer ingredients. This allows for systematic analysis of the impact of expensive additives on material behavior, which is crucial for applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology.
Researchers have developed a simulation tool to predict the microstructures that form as complex liquid mixtures cool and solidify. The model accurately predicts how impurities and process differences affect crystal formation, enabling manufacturers to design new products with improved strength and durability.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method for studying ultrathin polymers, enabling the visualization of defects and structure. The technique uses near-field scanning optical microscopy to analyze the crystal structure and strain in thin-film crystals of polystyrene.
The chip-scale atomic clock is the world's smallest, consuming less than 75 thousandths of a watt and stable to one part in 10 billion. It has potential uses in wireless communications, GPS receivers, and could replace quartz crystal oscillators in common products with improved time keeping.