The new standard provides detailed guidance on categorizing systems and assessing potential impact of security breaches. It will help agencies make informed decisions and implement cost-effective security measures, complemented by a companion standard specifying minimum federal system requirements.
Researchers at NIST collaborate with industry partners to devise rapid screening and measurement methods for new epoxies, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and other high-value products. A miniaturized test platform utilizing micro-lens technology is designed to screen hundreds of adhesive formulations in an automated process.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is holding a single competition for Research and Development (R&D) projects, with approximately $30 million in funding available. Public meetings will be held across the country to provide information on the competition, project selection criteria, and eligibility requirements.
Researchers placed modified radio transmitter modules within a high-rise before demolition and found that 10 of the 14 modules continued broadcasting after the structure was destroyed. The study aims to develop technology allowing emergency personnel to locate survivors by locking onto cell phone or radio signals in collapsed buildings.
Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland discovered a molecular mechanism involving RNA structure changes that may play a role in HIV-1 viral assembly. This finding could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs by targeting these structural changes.
Researchers at NIST quantify the problem and solution of carbon nanotube demixing, revealing flow conditions that can lead to demixing. The findings provide insight into how to process nanotubes more efficiently for various applications.
A new cryogenic refrigerator, developed by NIST, uses a solid-state design to cool X-ray detectors to subKelvin temperatures. The device reduces the need for bulky and expensive current equipment, making it ideal for semiconductor manufacturing and astronomical applications.
Physicists at JILA have observed a novel form of matter, a fermionic condensate, by cooling potassium atoms to extremely low temperatures and applying a magnetic field. The formation of these pairs has potential implications for high-temperature superconductivity and energy efficiency.
Researchers at NIST developed a tiny device generating tunable microwave signals using individual electron spins. The device can be built into integrated circuits and may replace bulkier technologies with reduced cost.
MassSpectator eliminates manual translation errors by automatically identifying peak sizes in mass spectrometry data. This allows for faster and more accurate chemical compound analysis, benefiting law enforcement agencies conducting criminal investigations.
The new Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2385 contains pure spinach with certified concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants. Spinach is rich in beta-carotene and lutein, essential for healthy vision and eye health.
Designing nanomaterials requires careful consideration of interatomic force laws and scaling dimensions. At the nanoscale, tiny cracks require more load to spread, increasing the risk of catastrophic failure. Ceramic materials are particularly affected due to their high strength, hardness, and light weight.
A new technique using a modified ink-jet printer and semiconductor ink has been developed to produce transistor arrays for flat-panel displays. The process reduces the cost of display manufacturing by replacing expensive photolithography techniques, enabling flexible and rigid substrate applications.
A new two-step process measures cytokine levels and cell membrane protein presence to evaluate material biocompatibility. The NIST-developed method offers a more nuanced understanding of material compatibility, enabling industry and researchers to create more well-matched materials for medical applications.
The new tool reduces errors in assessing projection systems by filtering out stray light. It's a simple, low-cost device that aids engineers in evaluating the performance of digital projectors.
The world has sped up over the last few years, with scientists noting no need for a leap second in five years. Tom O'Brian suggests changes in the Earth's core, ocean tides, and weather may be affecting its rotation. Most scientists expect the Earth to continue slowing down again in the future.
Tissue engineers can now monitor the growth and differentiation of cells in three-dimensional scaffolds with unprecedented depth. This breakthrough provides a crucial capability for the emerging field of tissue engineering, which aims to regenerate form and function in damaged or diseased tissues and organs.
A new reference material from NIST helps researchers and implant manufacturers optimize processing parameters for crosslinking, reducing brittleness and improving wear resistance in orthopedic hip implants. The material provides precise dimensions and swelling information from round-robin tests.
A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology has found that DVD compatibility is only 85 percent, resulting in potential issues such as DVDs not working or freezing. The test involved 14 models of DVD-ROM drives and over 50 different brands and types of recordable DVD discs.
Researchers conduct simulations of collapsed buildings using arena environments, focusing on advanced algorithms, sensors, and mechanisms for improved robot performance. The competition aims to increase the relevance of events for real emergencies by incorporating new limitations and sensor identifications.
Researchers at NIST have developed advanced superconducting wires that can withstand strain without cracking, enabling the use of compact underground cables to expand grid capacity. The strain tolerance of these future high-temperature superconductor (HTS) wires is high enough for demanding electric utility applications.
Researchers have developed a new method to non-destructively detect moisture within wall construction using ultra wide-band radio waves. Laboratory experiments demonstrated the ability to locate moisture pockets to within one centimeter, producing detailed three-dimensional maps of wet areas.
Researchers successfully adapted small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to rapidly characterize nanometer-scale grid-like patterns in chip circuitry. The technique offers better than one nanometer precision and could be an able substitute for current dimensional measurement tools.
NIST/University of Colorado researchers create a Bose-Einstein condensate of weakly bound molecules from a gas of fermionic potassium atoms cooled to 150 nanoKelvin. The molecular condensate was produced by passing through conditions that mimic fermionic superfluidity, paving the way for further research into this phenomenon.
Researchers at NIST have designed new Java specifications (JAIN SIP) to enable programmable communication devices. This technology will allow users to choose specific
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released an initial public draft of Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information Systems (NIST SP 800-53). The guidelines will become mandatory for most federal systems in 2005, with a wide audience beyond the federal government. NIST invites public comments on the ...
Researchers at Brown University and NIST have confirmed and extended Abrikosov's Nobel theory by tracking current eddies in a type II superconductor. The study revealed complex behavior and provided experimental confirmation of Abrikosov's prediction about smooth phase transitions.
The NIST Director emphasizes the importance of improving security for critical industrial systems, particularly those using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology. Immediate actions can be taken, such as creating basic security policies and closing system backdoors, to enhance SCADA security.
Economic assessments of government R&D programs should be designed to measure productivity, quality, and reliability impacts on production and commercialization. A study's timing is critical, conducted within three to 10 years after a technology's significant marketplace impact.
NIST is working on redundant elevator power systems and waterproof components to maintain safe operation during fires. The institute will use virtual reality simulation to test emergency evacuation procedures and collaborate with global experts to establish standards.
Scientists at NIST have precisely measured the lifetime of neutrons using a powerful technique. The measurement is consistent with current theories about particles and forces of nature, providing valuable insights into the creation of matter immediately after the Big Bang.
Researchers at NIST created improved phantom materials that can mimic blood, bone, fat, and skin using carbon black powder. These polymers have low-frequency electrical properties and can be formed in various shapes and sizes.
The NEST software program provides cost estimates for homeowners to select the most cost-effective replacement materials for roofing, siding, windows, and garage doors. The program uses a virtual model of the user's home to estimate installation and maintenance costs, as well as monthly financing costs over the product's lifetime.
Materials scientist George Harman suggests using corrosion-resistant metals like gold and newer polymers to create microelectronic interconnections that can withstand extreme temperatures. He also proposes the use of flip chips with gold contacts to produce heat-resistant spacecraft electronics.
A new Standard Reference Material issued by NIST uses both SNPs and STRs to improve reliability of laboratory analyses of male DNA. The standard consists of six vials of carefully analyzed DNA, providing certified sequences for 22 STR locations and 42 SNPs.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers have developed a new metal-stamping test station with an X-ray stress measurement system. This equipment enables detailed maps of stresses and strains as sheets of steel and other metals are punched, stretched or otherwise shaped.
Researchers at NIST are studying how different factors affect fuel cell efficiency, including electrical and heating demands, temperatures, humidity, and power systems. The goal is to develop performance ratings that can help consumers understand the financial costs and benefits of fuel cells in various geographic and climate conditions.
Researchers developed a new method combining atomic force and scanning capacitance microscopes to measure semiconductor switching speeds, enabling quick scanning of wafers for defects. This technique has the potential to determine if missing atoms in semiconductors slow down electrical charge movement.
Scientists at NIST have developed an improved method for using liposomes as tiny test tubes for ultrasmall volume chemistry. This approach may be useful for studying cellular-level processes and identifying new pharmaceuticals more efficiently.
A new software tool, LoopDA, allows architects and engineers to determine the size of natural ventilation openings needed for desired airflow rates. The program uses an engineering-based design process to control indoor air quality and thermal comfort.
A prototype system using NIST-patented microheater technology and artificial neural networks can reliably identify trace amounts of toxic gases. The sensors can detect compounds like sulfur-mustard gas and nerve agents at levels below 1 part per million.
New technique uses electron beams and ultraviolet light to remove chlorine ions from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), reducing toxicity and enhancing biodegradation prospects. The method shows promise for decontaminating sediments contaminated with PCBs, a potential risk factor for cancer.
Researchers at NIST used a special facility to study 'shake gels,' materials that firm up and relax in response to external stimuli. They discovered the polymer's oxygen atoms, not hydrogen atoms, attach to clay, and water binds to surfaces in a perpendicular arrangement.
A collaboration between IFF and NIST uses slowed-down neutrons to measure fragrance and carrier molecule structures. This information can guide efforts to enhance models for formulating carriers that are optimized for specific fragrances and products.
NIST researchers are investigating detection devices to detect dirty bombs and radiation threats, ensuring accuracy in various conditions. The new standards will improve the calibration of detectors, reducing errors in measuring high, medium, or low energy radiation sources.
NIST has developed a way to accurately measure retroreflectivity, resolving measurement problems that hindered defining minimum standards. The new facility will provide calibration services early in 2004.
The NIST-developed device detects single photons with negligible dark counts using a tungsten film coupled to fiber optic communication line. It achieves a detection rate of 20,000 photons per second with an efficiency of 20%, aiming for over 80% improvement.
NIST researchers Bo Yang and Vinod Tewary used a mathematical concept to predict how self-assembling quantum dots align themselves. The theory, based on the elastic energy release rate, can aid in developing more reliable methods for fabricating quantum dot devices.
NIST scientists have developed a new tool in chemical sensing called microboiling, which uses tiny vapor bubbles to detect specific substances. The technique can measure changes in boiling behavior in just 5 microseconds, making it faster than typical lab techniques.
The NIST-designed optical detector and ILX Lightwave Corp.-designed optical multimeter enable reliable optical fiber power measurements. Independent tests confirm the system's accuracy, with excellent agreement between NIST and its German and British counterparts.