Feature Stories and Photo Essays

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href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/http://nistdigitalarchives.contentdm.oclc.org/" class="usa-nav__link">NIST Digital Archives</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/nist-museum" class="usa-nav__link">NIST Museum</a> </li> <li> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/nist-and-nobel" class="usa-nav__link">NIST and the Nobel</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/education" class="usa-nav__link">Educational Resources</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </header>  </div> <div class="grid-container"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> <div id="block-nist-www-content" class="nist-block"> <section class="nist-page__content usa-section clearfix"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="grid-container margin-top-4"> <div class="nist-page__region nist-page__region--content-top"> <div class="nist-block"> <h1 class="nist-page__title">Feature Stories and Photo Essays</h1> </div> <div class="nist-block"> <div class="text-with-summary"> <p>As the nation’s laboratory for measurement science, standards and technology, NIST has stimulated U.S. innovation and economic competitiveness through its world-class work in many areas of national importance. The following features provide big-picture views of the many research fields that NIST has helped to advance.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-container margin-top-4"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-6"> <div class="nist-page__region nist-page__region--content tablet-lg:grid-col-12"> <div class="views-element-container nist-block"> <div><div class="grid-row grid-gap-4 js-view-dom-id-465fa86701952b2ce6e314c423e54c2666a51b7c8fb583a19a30d438ae49772f"> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/nanofabulous-experience-internship-nists-nanofab-provides-vital-training-engineers" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nanofabulous-experience-internship-nists-nanofab-provides-vital-training-engineers" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2022/12/09/Evan_Cooper_02.JPG?itok=QxJOhzUQ" width="720" height="360" alt="A person in a white coverall and safety glasses poses standing next to a rack of computers and other devices in a lab. " typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nanofabulous-experience-internship-nists-nanofab-provides-vital-training-engineers"><span>A Nanofabulous Experience: Internship at NIST’s NanoFab Provides Vital Training for Engineers and Technicians Entering the Semiconductor Workforce</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2023-01-05T12:00:00Z">January 5, 2023</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> NanoFab internships are one of the many ways that NIST and the Department of Commerce are helping to ensure American preeminence in semiconductors. Since its inception in 2014, 37 budding engineers and technicians in the semiconductor industry have completed the NIST program. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nanofabulous-experience-internship-nists-nanofab-provides-vital-training-engineers" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about A Nanofabulous Experience: Internship at NIST’s NanoFab Provides Vital Training for Engineers and Technicians Entering the Semiconductor Workforce" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/why-you-need-standards" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/why-you-need-standards" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2022/05/17/HeaderImage_Composite_Preview.png?itok=jjscSx-X" width="720" height="360" alt="Photo collage includes tape measure, gas can, laptop keyboard, old-fashioned scale, bunch of grapes, and scientific equipment like a Kibble balance. " typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/why-you-need-standards"><span>Why You Need Standards</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2022-05-23T12:00:00Z">May 23, 2022</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Technical standards keep us safe, enable technology to advance, and help businesses succeed. They quietly make the modern world tick and prevent technological problems that you might not realize could even happen. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/why-you-need-standards" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Why You Need Standards" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/joplin-tornado-calamity-and-boon-resilience-10-years" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/joplin-tornado-calamity-and-boon-resilience-10-years" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2021/05/21/Joplin%20TB.png?itok=tKdef_Bk" width="720" height="360" alt="A collage of a hospital, wreckage, maps and other items on green background." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/joplin-tornado-calamity-and-boon-resilience-10-years"><span>The Joplin Tornado: A Calamity and a Boon to Resilience, 10 Years On</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2021-05-21T12:00:00Z">May 21, 2021</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> In 2011, a vicious tornado wreaked havoc on the city of Joplin, Missouri. The tragic event spurred NIST and others into action to improve the country’s resilience to tornadoes. A decade later, we’ve come quite a long way. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/joplin-tornado-calamity-and-boon-resilience-10-years" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about The Joplin Tornado: A Calamity and a Boon to Resilience, 10 Years On" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/safe-efficient-reliable-new-science-fight-against-killer-drugs" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/safe-efficient-reliable-new-science-fight-against-killer-drugs" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2021/03/18/Faux_Fentynal_lethal_dose_005.jpg?itok=WBo68V-H" width="720" height="360" alt="Black background. Photo of a penny. Next to the penny is a tiny amount of a white powder." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/safe-efficient-reliable-new-science-fight-against-killer-drugs"><span>Safe, Efficient, Reliable: New Science in the Fight Against Killer Drugs</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2021-03-24T12:00:00Z">March 24, 2021</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> NIST researchers give law enforcement and public health experts new tools to combat fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/safe-efficient-reliable-new-science-fight-against-killer-drugs" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Safe, Efficient, Reliable: New Science in the Fight Against Killer Drugs" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/masks-under-microscope" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/masks-under-microscope" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2021/02/24/mask-_hero-2-rev.jpg?itok=dF2S8GdE" width="720" height="360" alt="Fabric face mask in black and white" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/masks-under-microscope"><span>Masks Under the Microscope</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2021-03-09T12:00:00Z">March 9, 2021</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> To understand how something works, it helps to see it up close. A team of researchers took this approach when studying the fabric masks that people wear to slow the spread of COVID-19. Check out the photos here. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/masks-under-microscope" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Masks Under the Microscope" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/piecing-together-timeline-californias-deadliest-wildfire" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/piecing-together-timeline-californias-deadliest-wildfire" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2021/01/25/20181108-153724_209-00_5791ClarkRd_viewW_%5B39.753621N%20121.607721W%5D_%28source%20unknown%29.JPG?itok=zwnoELCC" width="720" height="360" alt="A sign saying "Welcome to Paradise" stands next to a burning building." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/piecing-together-timeline-californias-deadliest-wildfire"><span>Piecing Together the Timeline of California’s Deadliest Wildfire</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2021-02-08T12:00:00Z">February 8, 2021</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> A monstrous wildfire known as the Camp Fire nearly razed the town of Paradise, California, in 2018 and remains the state’s deadliest and costliest wildfire to date. Within the turmoil left in the wake of the inferno, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/piecing-together-timeline-californias-deadliest-wildfire" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Piecing Together the Timeline of California’s Deadliest Wildfire" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/measuring-sensitivity-covid-tests-new-material-nist" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/measuring-sensitivity-covid-tests-new-material-nist" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2020/08/10/Hero-RNA.png?itok=-erm8Ckh" width="720" height="360" alt="Test tubes, bottles and a woman in a lab coat and goggles using a pipette all overlaid with a grainy purple texture" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/measuring-sensitivity-covid-tests-new-material-nist"><span>Measuring the Sensitivity of COVID Tests With New Material From NIST</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2020-08-06T12:00:00Z">August 6, 2020</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> NIST researchers have produced synthetic gene fragments from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This material, which is non-infectious and safe to handle, can help manufacturers produce more accurate and reliable diagnostic tests for the disease. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/measuring-sensitivity-covid-tests-new-material-nist" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Measuring the Sensitivity of COVID Tests With New Material From NIST " hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/nist-biofoundry-taking-engineering-biology-artisanal-automated" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nist-biofoundry-taking-engineering-biology-artisanal-automated" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2020/03/11/DSC_0935_full.jpg?itok=iXjSFNMq" width="720" height="360" alt="NIST researchers Elizabeth Strychalski and David Ross program the robotic arm that operates within the box-like structure of the NIST biofoundry." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nist-biofoundry-taking-engineering-biology-artisanal-automated"><span>The NIST Biofoundry: Taking Engineering Biology From Artisanal to Automated</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2020-03-13T12:00:00Z">March 13, 2020</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Biofoundries make it possible to engineer living cells so that they produce specific medical treatments or chemical products. The NIST biofoundry is helping to advance the measurement science that will ensure these processes are reliable. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nist-biofoundry-taking-engineering-biology-artisanal-automated" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about The NIST Biofoundry: Taking Engineering Biology From Artisanal to Automated" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/preserving-kennedy-assassination-bullets-digital-form" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/preserving-kennedy-assassination-bullets-digital-form" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2019/12/05/DSC_2059.JPG?itok=FtXJNLIq" width="720" height="360" alt="Bullet fragment is illuminated under microscope lens." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/preserving-kennedy-assassination-bullets-digital-form"><span>Preserving the Kennedy Assassination Bullets in Digital Form</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2019-12-05T12:00:00Z">December 5, 2019</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Using the sophisticated digital measurement techniques of modern forensics, NIST researchers have created high-resolution 3D replicas of the bullets used to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/preserving-kennedy-assassination-bullets-digital-form" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Preserving the Kennedy Assassination Bullets in Digital Form" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/nists-real-impact-innovation-and-quality-life" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nists-real-impact-innovation-and-quality-life" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2019/06/13/nistpacts_hero_final.png?itok=tj7wmKlH" width="720" height="360" alt="Text: 1901-Now NIST Impacts. Top row: man with old antenna (B&W), woman at laser table // bottom row: antenna, men at atomic clock, chip scale atomic clock" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nists-real-impact-innovation-and-quality-life"><span>NIST’s Real Impact on Innovation and Quality of Life</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2019-06-18T12:00:00Z">June 18, 2019</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> From continual advances in timekeeping to safer buildings and stronger cybersecurity, NIST innovations already make American life better. We're trying to do even more. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nists-real-impact-innovation-and-quality-life" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about NIST’s Real Impact on Innovation and Quality of Life" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/eye-fire" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/eye-fire" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/19el004_forest-burn-hero.jpg?itok=2SXVgSC8" width="720" height="360" alt="A fire burns along the ground at the edge of a wooded area." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/eye-fire"><span>In the Eye of the Fire</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2019-05-28T12:00:00Z">May 28, 2019</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> NIST researchers have created a new camera system that offers an unprecedented, 360-degree view from inside a fire. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/eye-fire" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about In the Eye of the Fire" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/materials-design" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/materials-design" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2019/05/21/19mml004_graphene-sheets-clumped.jpg?itok=T0Sjk1Om" width="720" height="360" alt="Many different rectangular pieces of webby material are all wrapped up in a big ball. The pieces are each colored differently so that you can tell them apart in the bunch. These are meant to represent a graphene melt." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/materials-design"><span>Materials by Design</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2019-05-22T12:00:00Z">May 22, 2019</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> A dash of artificial intelligence, a pinch of human ingenuity and a huge helping of collaboration... read about NIST's role in the recipes of Materials Genome Initiative. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/materials-design" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Materials by Design" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/each-mammal-its-milk" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/each-mammal-its-milk" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2021/01/14/NIST_MilkCollectionAtTheZoo_wide.JPG?itok=N-2Z-rti" width="720" height="360" alt="Two orangutans cling to a wire cage" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/each-mammal-its-milk"><span>To Each Mammal, Its Milk</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2019-05-07T12:00:00Z">May 7, 2019</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Milk — it’s what distinguishes mammals from the rest of the animal kingdom. It’s also an incredibly complex substance, and scientists, including some at NIST, are working to identify the many chemical components of milk and the roles they play in nutrition, immunity, and other areas. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/each-mammal-its-milk" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about To Each Mammal, Its Milk" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/dna-mixtures-forensic-science-explainer" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/dna-mixtures-forensic-science-explainer" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2019/07/02/img_1176-jq-suspect-selected.jpg?itok=QP8Jvh1j" width="720" height="360" alt="A spoon hovers above a bowl of alphabet soup. On the spoon are the letters JOHN Q SUSPECT. " typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/dna-mixtures-forensic-science-explainer"><span>DNA Mixtures: A Forensic Science Explainer</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2019-04-03T12:00:00Z">April 3, 2019</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> What are DNA mixtures? And why are they sometimes so difficult to interpret? <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/dna-mixtures-forensic-science-explainer" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about DNA Mixtures: A Forensic Science Explainer " hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/staying-chill-even-when-disaster-strikes" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/staying-chill-even-when-disaster-strikes" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2018/07/17/18mml022_preparing-a-sample-at-hml-alex-holt-032.jpg?itok=NeBVXAGX" width="720" height="360" alt="Giant metal tubs are being opened and white vapor is puffing up into the face of one researcher who is in a protective suit with hood, gloves and eye protection. In the background, several other suited researchers discuss something." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/staying-chill-even-when-disaster-strikes"><span>Staying Chill, Even When Disaster Strikes</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2018-08-06T12:00:00Z">August 6, 2018</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> When most people prepare for a hurricane, they buy food and water. But when scientist Amanda Moors sees one of those big, red, pinwheel-shaped storms appear on the weather map, she buys liquid nitrogen. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/staying-chill-even-when-disaster-strikes" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Staying Chill, Even When Disaster Strikes" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/nist-cone-snail-research-milking-killer-mollusks-medical-answers" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nist-cone-snail-research-milking-killer-mollusks-medical-answers" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2017/07/21/20170609_nistchs0044.jpg?itok=grcdZarm" width="720" height="360" alt="cone snail eating a fish" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nist-cone-snail-research-milking-killer-mollusks-medical-answers"><span>NIST Cone Snail Research: Milking Killer Mollusks for Medical Answers</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2018-03-16T12:00:00Z">March 16, 2018</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Researchers at NIST's Hollings Marine Laboratory in South Carolina are studying cone snail venom for potential use in medical treatments. The venom is thought to be one of the most powerful toxins produced in nature. To understand how it works, chemists “milk” captive snails. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/nist-cone-snail-research-milking-killer-mollusks-medical-answers" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about NIST Cone Snail Research: Milking Killer Mollusks for Medical Answers" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/trial-fire-look-nist-fire-testing-through-years" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/trial-fire-look-nist-fire-testing-through-years" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2019/04/25/inside_the_nfrl.jpg?itok=1tFFa-0O" width="720" height="360" alt="Photograph of large open room with fire engineers standing around a large fire test." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/trial-fire-look-nist-fire-testing-through-years"><span>Trial by Fire: A Look at NIST Fire Testing Through the Years</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2018-03-06T12:00:00Z">March 6, 2018</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Fire testing at NIST, a staple of the agency’s research since the early 1900s, has helped provide much of the data, insights and knowledge demanded by that pursuit. Find out more about NIST's fire research in this photo essay. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/trial-fire-look-nist-fire-testing-through-years" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Trial by Fire: A Look at NIST Fire Testing Through the Years" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/behind-scenes-making-nist-holiday-special" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/behind-scenes-making-nist-holiday-special" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2018/03/15/17el035_christmas-tree-burn-color-corrected.jpg?itok=c-Z2hxBk" width="720" height="360" alt="A Christmas tree is engulfed in flames. To the left is a chair. In front is a coffee table, rug and fishbowl. To the right is a tall bookshelf. There are 3 wrapped presents under the tree. A timer reads 8:04 seconds." typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/behind-scenes-making-nist-holiday-special"><span>Behind the Scenes: The Making of a NIST Holiday Special</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2017-12-08T12:00:00Z">December 8, 2017</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Every holiday season, hundreds of residential fires start with a Christmas tree. You may have seen NIST’s video that illustrates the dramatic difference between a fire started in a well-watered tree versus in a dry tree. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the video shoot. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/behind-scenes-making-nist-holiday-special" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Behind the Scenes: The Making of a NIST Holiday Special" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/speed-gun-photosynthesis" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/speed-gun-photosynthesis" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2017/11/03/17pml018_forest.jpg?itok=hqPxSrod" width="720" height="360" alt="Trees in a forest" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/speed-gun-photosynthesis"><span>A Speed Gun for Photosynthesis</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2017-11-03T12:00:00Z">November 3, 2017</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> How fast is that plant pulling CO 2 out of the atmosphere? You may soon be able to point a sensor at it to find out. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/speed-gun-photosynthesis" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about A Speed Gun for Photosynthesis" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/measurements-matter" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/measurements-matter" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2017/06/13/srm_feature_hero.png?itok=sspW4dsq" width="720" height="360" alt="SRM Featured Image" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/measurements-matter"><span>Measurements Matter</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2017-06-13T12:00:00Z">June 13, 2017</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> The government has acronyms for seemingly everything. At NIST, one even has a registered trademark: SRM® is the “brand name” of our certified reference materials, the generic term for these vital tools. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/measurements-matter" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Measurements Matter" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/built-house-inferno" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/built-house-inferno" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2017/05/26/nfrl.jpg?itok=nEo9Ve-e" width="720" height="360" alt="Ariel view of National Fire Research Facility" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/built-house-inferno"><span>Built to House an Inferno</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2017-05-25T12:00:00Z">May 25, 2017</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> The new National Fire Research Laboratory aims to make buildings better and safer. The expanded facility can hold structures up to two stories tall and contain fires up to 20 megawatts of peak energy—that’s equivalent to a small home engulfed by fire! <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/built-house-inferno" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Built to House an Inferno" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/who-was-detective-x" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/who-was-detective-x" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2017/02/10/souder_newsbox_image.png?itok=ip3Qe1Fd" width="720" height="360" alt="Detective X Featured Story Teaser Image" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/who-was-detective-x"><span>Who Was Detective X?</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2017-02-09T12:00:00Z">February 9, 2017</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> In the gangster era of Prohibition and the Great Depression, a physicist at the National Bureau of Standards, now NIST, brought modern ideas to the then-emerging field of forensic science. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/who-was-detective-x" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Who Was Detective X?" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/helping-build-nation-resilient-communities" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/helping-build-nation-resilient-communities" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2017/07/19/fema_steve_zumwalt.jpg?itok=7plonye2" width="720" height="360" alt="Neighborhood Remains" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/helping-build-nation-resilient-communities"><span>Helping to Build a Nation of Resilient Communities</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2016-12-04T12:00:00Z">December 4, 2016</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Every year, hundreds of U.S. communities take a beating. These are the towns, cities, counties and tribal areas that suffer the casualties, damage and disruptions inflicted by hazards. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/helping-build-nation-resilient-communities" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about Helping to Build a Nation of Resilient Communities" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/earth-distance" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/earth-distance" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/2017/03/07/dscovr_solar_eclipse_cropped.png?itok=mGMWibum" width="720" height="360" alt="image of a solar eclipse over South America" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/earth-distance"><span>At Earth from a Distance</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2015-02-05T12:00:00Z">February 5, 2015</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Quick, think of a four-letter name beginning with “N” for a federal agency involved in space science. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/earth-distance" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about At Earth from a Distance" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/new-nist-facility-response-robots-must-measure" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/new-nist-facility-response-robots-must-measure" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/photogallery/bomb_disposal_robot.jpg?itok=5vaAS4-d" width="720" height="360" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/new-nist-facility-response-robots-must-measure"><span>At New NIST Facility, Response Robots Must Measure Up</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2014-08-29T12:00:00Z">August 29, 2014</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> The growing number of visitors with mechanical escorts traveling to the newest building on the Gaithersburg, Md., campus of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) come expecting a disaster. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/new-nist-facility-response-robots-must-measure" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about At New NIST Facility, Response Robots Must Measure Up" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-4"> <article role="article" about="/feature-stories/new-nist-research-center-helps-auto-industry-lighten" class="nist-teaser nist-teaser--grid"> <div class="nist-teaser__image"> <div class="entity-reference"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/new-nist-research-center-helps-auto-industry-lighten" hreflang="en"><img loading="lazy" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/sites/default/files/styles/720w_x_360h/public/images/lightweighting/12mml039_lightweighting_creuziger_525px_wide_1.jpg?itok=SQcFN4DZ" width="720" height="360" alt="Adam Creuziger lightweighting facility" typeof="foaf:Image"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="nist-teaser__content-wrapper"> <header> <h3 class="nist-teaser__title"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/new-nist-research-center-helps-auto-industry-lighten"><span>New NIST Research Center Helps the Auto Industry 'Lighten Up'</span> </a></h3> <div class="nist-teaser__date"> <div class="datetime"><time datetime="2014-07-25T12:00:00Z">July 25, 2014</time> </div> </div> </header> <div class="nist-teaser__content"> <div class="text-with-summary"> Until now, stress testing has largely been limited to stretching or squeezing samples in one direction, yielding an incomplete picture. At NCAL, materials undergo the material-engineering equivalent of a thorough medical exam and results are shared with partners. <div class="more-link"><a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/feature-stories/new-nist-research-center-helps-auto-industry-lighten" class="more-link" aria-label="Read more about New NIST Research Center Helps the Auto Industry &#039;Lighten Up&#039;" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <footer> </footer> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="grid-container"> </div> </section> </div> <div data-elastic-exclude>  <footer class="nist-footer padding-bottom-4"> <div class="grid-container nist-footer__info"> <div class="grid-row"> <div class="tablet:grid-col-6"> <div class="nist-footer__logo"> <a href="/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/" title="National Institute of Standards and Technology" rel="home"> <img class="nist-footer__logo-img" src="/web/20230928032706im_/https://www.nist.gov/libraries/nist-component-library/dist/img/logo/NIST-Logo-Brand-White.svg" alt="National Institute of Standards and Technology logo" width="300px" height="42px"/> </a> </div> <div class="nist-footer__contact"> <h3 class="nist-footer__contact-heading">HEADQUARTERS</h3> <address> 100 Bureau Drive<br> Gaithersburg, MD 20899<br> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/tel:301-975-2000">301-975-2000</a> </address> <p> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/mailto:do-webmaster@nist.gov">Webmaster</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/about-nist/contact-us">Contact Us</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/visit">Our Other Offices</a> </p> </div> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-6"> <div class="nist-footer__social-links"> <a class="nist-social nist-social--twitter-white" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://twitter.com/NIST"> <span>Twitter</span> </a> <a class="nist-social nist-social--facebook-white" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://www.facebook.com/NIST"> <span>Facebook</span> </a> <a class="nist-social nist-social--linkedin-white" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://www.linkedin.com/company/nist"> <span>LinkedIn</span> </a> <a class="nist-social nist-social--instagram-white" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://www.instagram.com/nist/"> <span>Instagram</span> </a> <a class="nist-social nist-social--youtube-white" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://www.youtube.com/NIST"> <span>YouTube</span> </a> <a class="nist-social nist-social--giphy-white" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://giphy.com/nist"> <span>Giphy</span> </a> <a class="nist-social nist-social--rss-white" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://www.nist.gov/news-events/nist-rss-feeds"> <span>RSS Feed</span> </a> <a class="nist-social nist-social--envelope-white" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230928032706/https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNIST/subscriber/new"> <span>Mailing List</span> </a> </div> <div class="nist-footer__feedback"> How are we doing? 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