National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Time. Whether you’re on your way to work or meeting up with friends, the ability to tell time is important. Scientists use atoms to build clocks for accurate and precise timekeeping. NIST’s atomic clocks are among the most stable clocks in the world and are so sensitive that they detected small magnetic field variations during geomagnetic storms in May 2024. These storms also produce colorful lights in the night sky, known as the northern lights. But what makes the clocks so sensitive to these storms? The atoms inside them. Magnetic fields can interact with the atoms’ magnetic properties, causing their energy levels to shift. That’s why it’s important that the atomic clocks are protected by layers of magnetic shielding. The atomic clocks weren’t the only thing to detect the impacts of the storms. NIST researchers also saw changes in GPS signal propagation by comparing the atomic clocks on Earth to those on GPS satellites in space. But don’t worry. NIST applied corrections to the signals from the satellites to compensate for the effects from geomagnetic storms. Learn more about NIST’s atomic clocks: https://lnkd.in/erUNmChe #Metrology #Time #AtomicClocks #GeomagneticStorms

As the official U.S. timekeepers, we know not everyone makes it to midnight on New Year's Eve. For all (tired) parents, we present to you our very own NIST-y countdown video to share with your family. Use this video to count down to the new year at early celebrations, family-friendly parties, or the big event at 12:00 a.m. Celebrate on your own time with this video: https://lnkd.in/eigEuWGm

NIST has expanded its collaboration with the nonprofit MITRE Corporation as part of its efforts to ensure U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). Through this award, NIST is investing $20 million to establish two centers to advance the delivery of AI-based technology solutions to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eR3VntyM

As you deck the halls this holiday season, make sure your celebration doesn’t go up in flames. If you have a natural Christmas tree, keep it well watered. Although Christmas tree fires are not the most frequent fire events, they are particularly hazardous. According to data from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) between 2016 and 2020, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 160 home structure fires each year that began with the ignition of Christmas trees. These fires resulted in an average of two civilian deaths,11 injuries, and approximately $12 million in damages each year. NIST has conducted demos showing that a dry Christmas tree catches fire and burns much more quickly than a well-watered tree (see video). At the University of Maryland in College Park. NIST fire research scientist Isaac Leventon has demonstrated the flammability of dry natural Christmas trees for the past 12 years by igniting small branches as well as entire trees. In a demonstration to local media and University of Maryland students last week, a six-foot Christmas tree left unwatered for just 17 days roared into flames in seconds, producing as much heat as 20,000 100-watt light bulbs. To reduce the risk of fire, water the tree regularly, the NFPA advises. Once it dries out—telltale signs include discolored and falling needles and brittle branches--throw it out However you celebrate, have an enjoyable—and safe—holiday! Visit here for more information: https://lnkd.in/gTsAGk7J

You may be planning to leave a few cookies out for Santa this week, but just how many kilograms of cookies does Santa consume on Christmas Eve? We did the math—and it’s up to 500,000 kilograms (or about 1.1 million pounds!) That’s a lot of cookies, but Santa needs to fuel his work delivering presents all over the world. We answered some holiday measurement questions in our latest (and very festive!) Taking Measure blog post: https://lnkd.in/eTECAKdn

Join us in congratulating Alexander Maranghides as a 2025 International Fire and Safety Journal Influencer. Check out this Q&A with Alex: https://lnkd.in/eaZ2z3qY

There is an almost unfathomably large zoo of molecules that can be tapped for quantum technologies, such as quantum sensing and quantum computing. They can potentially explore new physics and control chemical reactions with quantum accuracy. But molecules are unruly little things for physicists. They have so many possible states or orientations. They’ve been hard for scientists to tame and harness their full potential. NIST physicists recently found a way to control molecules nearly perfectly, using techniques they’ve learned from developing precise atomic clocks. Learn more about it here: https://lnkd.in/esH4P9UA

If you go to a bank in person to open an account, they’ll want to see identification. That’s because banks need to authenticate the identity of their customers. So, they want to know you are who you say you are. But what if you’re opening an account online? It’s trickier, and many banks use identity verification questions instead. But identity thieves can often find the answers to these questions. Several states and Puerto Rico are now offering mobile driver’s licenses, so you can prove who you are online. Currently, the main use for these licenses is airport security. But as mobile driver’s licenses become more common, they’ll likely have more uses – including identifying yourself more securely online. Learn more in our latest Taking Measure blog post: https://lnkd.in/e2kX95DC #MobileDriversLicense #IdentityVerification

Smart speakers are increasingly being used for home health care — to talk to a provider, refill a prescription or schedule an appointment. Telehealth can benefit patients, but sharing confidential health information over the network can put privacy and security at risk. NIST’s new cybersecurity guidelines can help protect patients and providers alike. Check them out at https://lnkd.in/esm8HSqr

AI presents both opportunities and challenges for your cybersecurity program. New NIST guidelines can help your organization determine ways to incorporate AI into its operations while mitigating cybersecurity risks. The Cyber AI Profile can help you utilize the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to secure your AI systems, use AI to defend against cyberattacks, and proactively thwart AI threats. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e3nafYcq NIST is also planning a workshop for Jan. 14, 2026, to discuss the preliminary draft profile and will post the link for registration later this month.