National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

When you go to a medical appointment, does the doctor look at you while you talk? Or are they busy typing what you say into a computer? If it’s the latter, you may find this will change soon, thanks to AI. However, if AI is going to be used for such a critical purpose, it must be done with careful standards. Learn more in our latest Taking Measure blog post: https://lnkd.in/eRgJ-52B

It’s no longer enough to know the time on Earth. We’ll have to keep track of tiny time differences on Mars if we are to establish properly synchronized communication networks there. Global navigation on the red planet will also require dedicated GPS systems, which means there will also be Martian atomic clocks. A similar scenario applies to the Moon. To learn about more NIST research on our solar system and beyond, visit our recently revamped Measuring the Cosmos pages in this edition of Tech Beat.

A day on Earth was once just a few hours long. Over billions of years, it grew to the 24-hour period we know today. But even our familiar 24-hour day is much less steady than it seems. A jittery moon, changes deepen within Earth’s core and even the damming of rivers can all change how long it takes for our planet to spin on its axis. Right now, for mysterious reasons, the day is getting shorter. If this goes on long enough, we may need to subtract a second from official time — something that has never been done. NIST experts are among those preparing for a possible “negative leap second.” Why does something as seemingly steady as the day keeping changing, and how does it affect our lives? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eXf3pxd2

Did you know that fewer than 10% of plastic products in the U.S. are recycled? One of the biggest hurdles is the molecular complexity of plastic. Plastic isn’t just one material. Plastics are made of myriad polymers, additives and pigments that can be difficult to disentangle into the clean waste streams needed to create high-quality recycled goods. Here’s where measurement science comes in. Using “spectral fingerprints” of different plastic types, scientists have found ways to quickly and efficiently separate plastics, boosting recycling rates. Understanding the molecular makeup of our waste is the first step toward a true circular economy. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eTq7etMS

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