A study found that humans primarily rely on upper body cues for recognition, even with limited facial information. Researchers suggest automatic face recognition systems can improve accuracy by considering the body in their decision-making process.
Physicists at NIST create a compact atomic clock design that relies on cold rubidium atoms, promising improved precision and stability. The new design has the potential to be smaller and more precise than existing chip-scale atomic clocks.
Researchers at NIST have engineered a self-correcting crystal material that enables tunable dielectrics for microwave and advanced communication devices. The new material has perfect faults, reducing power loss and increasing efficiency.
A new standard provides confidence that results from handheld Raman spectrometers can be compared accurately. The standard corrects differences in peak intensities reported by different instruments, enabling consistent measurements in emergency response situations.
Researchers at NIST developed a novel method for measuring laser power by reflecting light off a mirrored scale, simplifying calibration and enabling on-site measurements. The technique enables accurate and fast measurement of high-power lasers with reduced costs.
Scientists at NIST have observed that patterning one surface with nanoscale structures increases or decreases the Casimir effect, which is necessary for making small mechanical parts and studying gravity at the microscale. The discovery challenges existing theory and opens a new path for tuning these effects.
Researchers from NIST and JQI have developed a silicon device that can efficiently transport photons, which could lead to significant improvements in computer efficiency. The device uses a novel arrangement of rings to guide photons along the edge of an array, enabling it to function even if some rings are defective.
Physicists at NIST have successfully entangled a microscopic mechanical drum with electrical signals, confirming its potential as a quantum memory in future quantum computers. The experiment also marks the first-ever entanglement of a macroscopic oscillator, opening up new practical uses for the drum.
Researchers created a crystal-like arrangement of ultracold gas molecules that can swap quantum spin properties, potentially simulating or inventing exotic materials. The novel structure was achieved by manipulating the molecules' spins with microwave pulses, creating a 'superposition' of two opposite spins.
Researchers at NIST and Applied Research Associates developed a microfluidic technique to recover DNA from complex mixtures like dirt. This method delivers optimal DNA concentrations for human identification procedures, potentially miniaturized for use outside the laboratory.
Scientists at NIST have developed novel odor-releasing materials to train bomb-sniffing dogs, reducing the need for hazardous samples and ensuring uniformity in training. The system can precisely control the release rate of scents over extended periods, making it ideal for large-scale training.
A collaboration between NIST and 5 technical journals found that one-third of papers contained erroneous or incomplete chemical property data. A new online tool was developed to identify and eliminate errors in experimental data, using expert software system for data evaluation.
The NIST ytterbium atomic clocks have achieved a new record for stability, with an error rate of less than two parts in 1 quintillion. This breakthrough has significant implications for timekeeping and sensor applications, enabling rapid measurements in real-time.
A new hypothesis explains how anthrax toxins escape the endosome, potentially leading to a more effective cure. The NIST/USAMRIID team suggests that complexes of LF or EF bound to PA are active toxins inside cells.
Researchers at JILA have discovered that an atomic clock can mimic the behavior of complex quantum systems, including high-temperature superconductors. The study's findings suggest that atoms in the clock interact like those in magnetic materials, leading to correlations and entanglement.
Scientists at NIST have developed a new standard reference material (SRM) for medical computed tomography (CT), enabling hospitals to calibrate their CAT scanners and link tissue density measurements to international standards. The SRM allows for accurate calibration, which is crucial for diagnosing lung diseases effectively.
The NIST nanoindenter uses a touchless surface detector to accurately measure the mechanical properties of thin films and biomaterials without contact. It applies forces up to 150 millinewtons and takes readings a thousand times a second with an uncertainty lower than 2 micronewtons.
The new technique, PTIR, allows precise measurement of plasmonic nanomaterials at the nanoscale without affecting their function. Researchers can image hot spots and dark modes in plasmonic resonators with high spatial resolution.
The new NIST handbook provides a comprehensive guide for planning, designing, constructing, and relocating forensic science laboratories. The document outlines the four-phase cycle for creating new laboratory space and includes tools to support each phase.
Physicists at NIST create high-Q resonators in a minute, significantly reducing production time. The technique enables the mass production of compact frequency combs for various applications.
A new microscopy technique called Through-Focus Scanning Optical Microscopy (TSOM) can detect tiny differences in the three-dimensional shapes of circuit components. This enables the semiconductor industry to improve chips for the next decade or more by measuring features as small as 10 nanometers across.
A new microscopy technique developed by NIST researchers uses cathodoluminescence to image nanoscale features with high resolution. The technique combines the benefits of optical and scanning electron microscopes, evading traditional limitations such as diffraction and sample preparation requirements.
Researchers at NIST have reported the first observation of the spin Hall effect in a Bose-Einstein condensate, offering new insight into the quantum mechanical world. The phenomenon demonstrates the potential for ultracold atoms to be used as circuit components, paving the way for applications in 'atomtronics'.
A new metal-organic framework (MOF) material has been developed to separate the highest-octane components of gasoline, potentially making petroleum refining cheaper and more efficient. The MOF selectively traps lower-octane isomers, allowing for a more efficient separation process.
Researchers at NIST create three-dimensional scaffolds made with cells and hydrogels to evaluate the biological effects of nanoparticles. The hydrogel-based scaffolds provide a more realistic environment than current laboratory tests, allowing for longer-term studies and better representation of normal exposure levels.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new technique that allows for rapid scanning of atmospheric gases, enabling faster and more accurate detection of greenhouse gases. This innovation has the potential to improve climate science by combining high-accuracy measurements from various platforms.
Researchers at NIST have improved the performance of solar-powered hydrogen generation by developing a new photoelectrochemical cell design that is stable, efficient and economical to produce. The device has an efficiency of 2.9%, significantly higher than previous results.
Researchers at NIST have successfully transferred ultraprecise time signals through open air with unprecedented precision, equivalent to the world's best atomic clocks. The demonstration uses wireless optical channels and has potential applications in geodesy, satellite navigation, and other fields.
A team at NIST has developed a simple and cost-effective way to separate metallic from semiconducting carbon nanotubes, paving the way for high-purity samples in electronics applications. The method uses liquid extraction with subtle differences in polymer hydrophobicity, yielding high-resolution results.
Tests conducted by NIST found that portable generators retrofitted with off-the-shelf hardware emitted 90% less carbon monoxide than standard generators. The reduced emissions are expected to delay the onset and progression of CO poisoning symptoms, leading to fewer deaths and injuries.
Researchers have developed a spray-on mixture of carbon nanotubes and ceramic that has unprecedented ability to resist damage while absorbing laser light. The composite absorbs 97.5% of the light and tolerates 15 kilowatts of laser power per square centimeter for 10 seconds.
New York City tests suggest using repeaters to improve wireless emergency safety equipment in underground structures and high-rise buildings. The findings support NIST's next round of test methods for reliable voice radio and emergency beacon operations.
Researchers at NIST and the University of Maryland have developed an optical memory device using a cloud of rubidium atoms, enabling the storage of simple images. The breakthrough demonstrates spatially addressable readout and erasure of an image in the vapor, paving the way for quantum computing applications.
A recent NIST test found that nearly 90% of green laser pointers and about 44% of red pointers tested were out of compliance with federal safety regulations. The tests also showed that many commercial laser pointers emit more visible power than allowed under the Code of Federal Regulations.
Researchers at NIST developed a new microscope that measures collective dynamics of electrons' spins in individual nanomagnets as small as 100 nanometers. This enables the study of spin relaxation process and can help design spintronic devices with reduced energy consumption.
Researchers at NIST have successfully demonstrated the use of a mechanical micro-drum as a quantum memory, storing and retrieving information with 65% efficiency. This innovation exploits a mechanical form of quantum physics and has potential applications in quantum computing and precise force sensing.
Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a solid-state refrigerator that uses quantum physics to cool larger objects to extremely low temperatures. The prototype enables the placement of any suitable object in the cooling zone and later removal and replacement, similar to an all-purpose kitchen refrigerator.
Scientists at NIST and University of Maryland have developed a practical high-efficiency nanostructured electron source, leading to improved microwave communications and X-ray imaging systems. The new technology offers faster response times, reliability, and reduced power consumption compared to traditional thermionic sources.
Researchers have developed temperature-controlled nanopores that can detect and identify a wide range of molecules in the bloodstream, including proteins and DNA. This innovation may enable doctors to diagnose diseases more effectively by quickly identifying indicators of disease in the blood.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a novel chip-scale instrument using carbon nanotubes to measure laser power with high accuracy. The mini-radiometer achieves this by absorbing light over a broad range of wavelengths and converting it to heat, allowing for precise measurements.
Researchers at NIST have developed a way to predictably increase or decrease the intensity of quantum dot fluorescence by using DNA templates and controlling distances between gold nanoparticles. This breakthrough enables potential applications in photodetectors, chemical sensors, and nanoscale lasers.
Physicists at JILA have successfully cooled a gas of hydroxyl radicals to extremely low temperatures using evaporative cooling. The process enables precise control over molecular energies and interactions, paving the way for advances in ultracold chemistry and quantum simulators.
NIST scientists discovered a simple and fast process to deposit uniform, ultrathin layers of platinum atoms on a surface. By increasing the voltage beyond normal levels, they created a hydrogen layer that quenches further metal deposition, allowing for precise control over film thickness.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new method to visualize the molecular structure of blended polymers, resolving details at sub-micrometer levels. This technique has important implications for designing industrially important polymers like polyethylene blends used in water pipes.
Recent NIST experiments suggest that QED may not accurately account for the behavior of atoms in exotic states. The research found that highly charged ions exhibit different photon emission colors than predicted by QED, sparking further investigation.
Researchers found that single-wall carbon nanotubes significantly reduced accumulated DNA damage in solutions with nanotubes present. The protective effect was attributed to the nanotubes acting as scavengers, binding up oxidative species and preventing them from interacting with DNA.
A team of researchers has successfully cloned single-wall carbon nanotubes with identical structures using a DNA-based technique. This breakthrough solves the challenge of producing nanotubes of specific structure for nanoelectronics.
A NIST team developed a model to predict cell behavior and change, using a data-driven landscape approach. The method provides reliable numbers for the complex evolution of cell populations, crucial for biomanufacturing and stem cell therapies.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new computational method to identify promising refrigerant fluids with low global warming potential. The new method identified over 1,200 candidates from 56,000 compounds, including fluorinated olefins that react rapidly with atmospheric compounds.
Researchers at NIST have accelerated beryllium ions to 100 miles per hour and controlled their deceleration, demonstrating precision control of fast acceleration and sudden stops. This breakthrough enables faster transport of ions, a crucial step in quantum computing, reducing processing overhead and improving overall performance.