NIST

An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce

Founded in 1901, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a nonregulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. With headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland, NIST’s mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 12:03
Quartz Crystal Microbalances Enable New Microscale Analytic Technique Tests the purity of only a few micrograms of material
Mon, 11/29/2010 - 04:30
A new chemical analysis technique developed by a research group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) uses the shifting ultrasonic pitch of a small quartz crystal to test the purity of only a few micrograms of material.…
Updated Computer System Testing Tool Speeds Process, Reduces Costs NIST’s free Advanced Combinatorial Testing System undergoing further study with Lockheed Martin
Wed, 11/24/2010 - 05:00
(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have released an updated version of a computer system testing tool that can cut costs by more efficiently finding flaws. Catching software “…
Seven U.S. Organizations Receive 2010 Baldrige National Quality Award Three small businesses chosen for the first time in a single year
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 12:43
(NIST: Washington, D.C.) -- U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has named seven organizations as recipients of the 2010 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor for performance excellence through innovation,…
Laser Optics, Atomic Force Microscopy Track Biomolecules New technique reduces contamination and damage hazards while speeding up search
Mon, 11/15/2010 - 05:00
(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Researchers are characterizing a new technique as a neat solution to the “needle in a haystack” problem of nanoscale microscopy, but it’s more like using a flashlight to find a coffee table in the dark instead of walking…
‘Sí’ on the New SI: NIST Backs Proposal for Revamping Measurement Units Watt balance experiment contributes to a definition of the kilogram based on physical constants
Tue, 11/02/2010 - 05:30
(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Taking the first steps of what would be a major historical advance in the science of measurement, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is participating in a worldwide effort to recommend major…
JILA Unveils Improved Molecular Fingerprinting for Trace Gas Detection Optical frequency comb aids in atmospheric, security applications
Thu, 10/21/2010 - 15:46
(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Scientists at JILA and collaborators have demonstrated an improved laser-based “molecular fingerprinting” technique that picks out traces of key hydrogen-containing molecules and other molecules from a billion other…
NIST’s MEP Awards $9.1M for Projects to Enhance U.S. Competitiveness Funded areas include wind energy industry and advanced manufacturing simulation
Thu, 10/21/2010 - 15:42
(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) has awarded $9.1 million in cooperative agreements for 22 projects designed to enhance the productivity,…
NIST Grants $50 Million for the Construction of Five Science Facilities Facilities to be located in New York, Nevada, Michigan, Maine, and California
Wed, 10/20/2010 - 15:44
(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded a total of $50 million in grants to five institutions to support the construction of new scientific research facilities that will explore topics…
Metric Week Begins 10/10/10 Embrace metrics. And our old system? Forget about it!
Fri, 10/01/2010 - 12:51
(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Every day is a metric day at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). But that won’t stop the agency from celebrating Metric Week, held annually the week of Oct. 10—the tenth day of the tenth month.…
NIST Experiment Proves Your Head Is Older Than Your Feet NIST time-dilation experiments test Einstein’s theories of relativity
Thu, 09/30/2010 - 06:00
(NIST: Gaithersburg, MD) -- Scientists have long known that time passes faster at higher elevations—a curious aspect of Einstein’s theories of relativity that previously has been measured by comparing clocks on the Earth’s surface and a high-flying…