Statisticians Steve Lund and Hari Iyer argue that Likelihood Ratio's Bayesian reasoning approach is flawed for courtroom use, risking conclusions driven by assumptions rather than data. NIST recommends using the method only in cases where probability-based models are warranted.
Scientists studying cone snail venom aim to develop new medicines by understanding how the poison works. Researchers have discovered that cone snail toxins can overlap between the immune and central nervous systems in humans, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
Physicists at JILA have confirmed the leading results on electron roundness using a unique spinning molecule technique, measuring its symmetry to provide new insights into fundamental physics and potential fossils of ancient asymmetry. The method offers future potential for more sensitive searches and tests of natural constants.
JILA physicists have created an entirely new design for an atomic clock, packing strontium atoms into a tiny 3-D cube at 1,000 times the density of previous clocks. This approach enables a globally interacting collection of atoms to constrain collisions and improve measurements, leading to higher precision.
Researchers at NIST create a rapid test that senses mechanical fluctuations of bacterial cells and detects response to antibiotics, potentially hastening effective medical treatment and limiting drug-resistant bacteria. The new technique can quickly determine whether an antibiotic combats a given infection.
Scientists at NIST have developed a laboratory instrument that can measure the source of carbon in materials, enabling new applications in biofuels and bioplastics industries. The instrument uses cavity ringdown spectroscopy to detect subtle differences in CO2 wavelengths, allowing for accurate measurement of heavy CO2 concentrations.
A team of materials designers led by Dynamic Research Inc. won the grand prize of $500,000 for developing a novel material with an unusual geometric structure that can absorb or mitigate force within helmets and other protective gear, reducing impact by over 70%. The winning entry has potential to support innovation and stimulate the m...
A new NIST study reveals that frailty, particularly among the elderly, significantly increases the risk of death from home fires. The research suggests that communities should evaluate and address home fire risks based on age demographics to maximize effectiveness in preventing fire deaths and injuries.
Researchers from NIST and Michigan State University have developed an algorithm that automates the key decision point in fingerprint analysis, reducing human subjectivity and improving reliability. The new system uses machine learning to score latent prints based on their quality, allowing for more efficient processing of evidence.
Researchers at NIST have measured the vapor pressure of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a fundamental property for developing accurate marijuana breathalyzers. The study uses PLOT-cryo technology to capture and analyze THC molecules, providing crucial groundwork for manufacturers.
Researchers at NIST have made the most precise determination yet of Planck's constant, a fundamental value that will help redefine the kilogram. The new measurement has an uncertainty of just 13 parts per billion, exceeding international requirements for redefining the unit.
Researchers at NIST have contributed to accurate new measurements of the Boltzmann constant using a novel technique called noise thermometry. This approach measures the random motion of electrons in a resistor, allowing for more precise temperature measurements and potentially better thermometers for industry.
The NIST/CU team has developed a mobile ground-based system that scans and maps atmospheric gas plumes over kilometer distances. The system uses an eye-safe laser instrument to analyze the colors of light absorbed by gases, allowing for near-real-time detection of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
Physicists have developed optomechanical beams that can act as inherently accurate thermometers or optical shields, exploiting the principles of quantum physics. These microscopic beams have potential applications in biology, chemistry, electronics, and chip-based temperature sensors that never need calibration.
A team led by NIST physicist Joseph A. Stroscio developed a magnetic switch that turns on and off a strange quantum property called the Berry phase. This phenomenon has observable consequences in various quantum systems, including electrons corralled in graphene.
NIST physicists have solved the puzzle of controlling molecular ions using quantum logic, a technique that also drives an experimental atomic clock. The new method achieves effective control of molecules as laser cooling and other techniques can control atoms.
NIST researchers have developed Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) and Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART-MS) technologies to detect fentanyl in unknown powders. These techniques can identify the lowest concentrations of fentanyl mixtures, allowing law enforcement officers to take extra precautions.
Researchers at NIST have published the first data on the thermodynamic properties of amantadine hydrochloride, including its response to heat and decomposition. This information is valuable for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to optimize production yields and shelf life.
Researchers develop new method to calculate indoor CO2 concentrations more accurately, using established concepts from human metabolism and exercise physiology. The new approach considers body size, composition, diet, and physical activity to provide a more reliable estimate of CO2 generation rates.
Researchers at NIST have developed a non-invasive terahertz detection method to identify early-stage corrosion in steel-reinforced concrete structures, potentially saving billions of dollars in maintenance costs.
Physicists at NIST have confirmed that particles of matter can exhibit 'spooky action' through quantum entanglement. The experiment closed two loopholes in conventional Bell tests, demonstrating the high quality of entangled states.
Researchers have created a nanoscale damage-sensing probe that can be embedded into lightweight composites made of epoxy and silk. The probe uses a dye that changes color in response to applied force, allowing for the detection of even minor breaks and fissures within the composite material.
Biophysicists at JILA measured protein folding with unprecedented detail, identifying 14 intermediate states in bacteriorhodopsin. The discovery reveals previously unknown dynamics, shedding light on the complex behavior of membrane proteins.
A team of researchers from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has discovered at least 47 possible start codons in DNA, which can trigger protein synthesis. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that only a small number of three-letter sequences in mRNA could initiate translation.
The NIST study identified 27 low-GWP fluids, but all are at least slightly flammable, posing a challenge for replacing current refrigerants. The findings highlight the need for trade-offs in selecting replacement refrigerants, considering factors like safety codes and environmental impact.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to separate synthetic nanoparticles from living organisms, improving experiments on environmental and health impacts of manufactured entities. The sucrose density gradient centrifugation technique yields more accurate counts of ingested nanoparticles.
Physicists at NIST have cooled a mechanical object to a temperature lower than previously thought possible, below the so-called
Researchers at JILA used an advanced atomic clock to mimic the behavior of crystalline solids, demonstrating a novel 'off-label' use for atomic clocks. The study reveals potential applications in spintronics and quantum computing.
Scientists at NIST have developed a new device that measures atomic-scale motion with unprecedented precision. The handheld tool can also be mass-produced to aid in sensing trace amounts of hazardous agents, perfecting robot movement, and detecting weak sound waves.
A team of researchers developed an artificial dog nose that mimics the 'active sniffing' of dogs, improving vapor detection by up to 16-fold. The technology uses fluid dynamics and entrainment to increase aerodynamic reach and sample vapors at increasingly large distances.
Physicists at NIST have combined two experimental atomic clocks based on ytterbium atoms to set a new world record for clock stability. The dual-clock design eliminates dead time and noise, resulting in a more powerful tool for precision tests and applications.
Researchers at NIST have developed a way to build safe, nontoxic gold wires onto flexible plastic film, potentially enabling wearable health monitors. The discovery uses porous membranes with tiny holes, which keep the gold from cracking and improving conductivity.
Theoretical physicists suggest creating a ring of ultracold atoms to measure gravity at short distances, potentially clarifying the universe's accelerating expansion. This concept has practical applications in motion sensors and quantum computing.
Researchers developed a new method using atomic force microscopy to quantify the mechanical properties of hair, documents, fingerprints, and explosives. This can help improve the accuracy and reliability of forensic practices.
Researchers from NIST and UCLA have successfully created exotic topological insulators with improved stability at room temperature by infusing magnetic materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient quantum computers and other electronic devices that harness unique properties of electrons.
JILA physicists identified a long-missing piece of the puzzle of fossil fuel combustion contributing to air pollution and a warming climate. They observed a key molecule that appears briefly during a common chemical reaction in the atmosphere, revealing the reaction mechanism and quantified product yields.
Researchers at NIST have developed a method to create visual holograms using neutron beams, which can reveal detailed information about an object's interior. This technique has potential applications in studying solid materials and exploring small structures.
The superradiant laser uses synchronized emissions of light from strontium atoms to improve atomic clock performance and create precise 'rulers' for space science. The laser's output is expected to be less sensitive to noise, making it sharper as a precision tool.
A study by NIST researchers found that security fatigue leads users to adopt risky computing behavior, causing costs to businesses. The study defines security fatigue as weariness or reluctance to deal with computer security.
The novel 'Rheo-Raman' microscope allows for interconnected studies of soft materials by correlating their microstructure, composition, and flow behavior. This enables the understanding of how structural make-up dictates macroscopic properties like strength, hardness, or electrical conductivity.
Researchers from NIST and collaborators suggest a new DNA sequencer based on an electronic nanosensor that can detect tiny motions in single atoms. The device uses a thin film of molybdenum disulfide to store electric charge, allowing for fast and accurate sequencing of DNA bases.
Researchers at NIST measured the transfer of motion through a microelectromechanical system at nanometer and microradian scales. The study found that play in the joint between links was crucial for the motion's precision, making these systems more reliable. However, adding electrical noise or atmospheric humidity degraded performance.
Researchers connected NIST and USNO time scales via CenturyLink's fiber-optic cables, sending time signals at regular intervals in both directions. The results showed UTC could be transferred with a stability of under 100 nanoseconds, meeting the project's original goal.
Researchers at NIST and Shandong University have found a way to grow large crystals that could revolutionize laser technology. The microcrystals outperform conventional crystals in some ways, but their performance challenges scientific theory.
Two studies find high levels of perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) in the blood of African crocodiles and American alligators, suggesting exposure to long-lived industrial chemicals. PFAA levels were higher at sites with past use of firefighting foams, indicating potential environmental contamination.
The NIST team has demonstrated a compact atomic gyroscope design that can measure rotation and acceleration with high accuracy. The device uses a cloud of laser-cooled atoms to simulate rotations, generating interference bands to detect the rotation rate and axis.
A new measurement standard, developed by NIST, has been used to evaluate the performance of next-generation DNA-sequencing technologies for evaluating gene variations associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The HER2 Standard Reference Material demonstrates its value in increasing confidence in reporting HER2 amplification f...
Researchers from NIST discovered a 'sweet spot' for mass-producing polymer solar cells, exceeding 9.5% power conversion efficiency, without sacrificing performance. The findings suggest that high-volume production methods can yield efficient photovoltaic devices with greater structural variability.
NIST's Rapidly Deployable Public Safety Research Platform integrates commercial technologies to enhance emergency communication systems. The platform enables over 200 local users to communicate using voice, text, instant messages, video, and data, with a range of approximately 4 kilometers.
A new molecular model of lithium's bioactive form suggests the drug works by forming an 'intimate association' with magnesium and phosphates in the brain. This interaction may prolong signaling pathways in neurons, contributing to its mood-stabilizing effects.