Hollings Marine Laboratory

A researcher wearing a mask and gloves points at a computer screen showing graphs labeled "Mass Spectrometry Analysis Report."

New NIST Database of ‘Forever Chemicals’ Will Help Scientists Monitor Environmental Pollution

February 15, 2024

NIST has developed a first-of-its-kind database to help researchers identify and categorize unknown PFAS.

Photograph of a Bruker 700 model NMR with a samplejet sample automation attachment.

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) Facility - NIST Charleston

NIST operates and maintains the NMR facility at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) in Charleston, SC. Built in 2006, the 5,600 square foot...

Reference materials for emerging and legacy organic contaminants

Chemical Informatics

Through the Chemical Informatics programs, CSD researchers develop, implement, validate and apply novel and efficient informatics...

Four small dark glass ampules stand on a lab table, market with skull and crossbones danger icons.

NIST Researchers Develop Standards to Help Eliminate ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Firefighting Foams

September 18, 2023

These foams contain chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have raised environmental and health concerns.

Pieces of salmon are being fed from a metal holder into the icy opening of a milling machine.

NIST’s Shrimp and Salmon Reference Materials Could Help Combat Seafood Fraud

September 8, 2023

Seafood fraud can happen when fish is incorrectly labeled for consumers as a more expensive variety.

Organizational Excellence 2023

Below is a list of quick links to each of the 2023 MML Accolades for Organizational Excellence where each accolade is described and a list...

Technical Excellence 2023

Below is a list of quick links to each of the 2023 MML Accolades for Technical Excellence where each accolade is described and a list of the...

9 Things You May Not Know About NIST Charleston

March 14, 2023 By: Mark Esser Writer/Editor NIST has seven joint research organizations, each of which is a unique and enduring relationship...

Algae Toxin Identification Unravels Fish-Kill Mystery

January 19, 2007

A team of researchers from the Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, S.C., has uncovered a subtle chemical pathway by which normally inoffensive algae

Amanda Moors Recognized for NIST Biorepository Work

Amanda Moors began her biobanking career with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2005 and serves as the Program

NIST Researchers Use Novel Method to Understand the Molecular Underpinnings of a Tumorlike Disease Affecting Coral Reefs

July 9, 2021

Coral reefs are a favorite spot for scuba divers and are among the world’s most diverse ecosystems. For example, the Hawaiian coral reefs, known as the

A woman wearing safety goggles and a mask poses in front of a cabinet holding vials.

Spotlight: Kathy Peter’s Cross-County Journey Toward NIST Research Into ‘Forever Chemicals’

December 11, 2020

Search, seek and define — NIST postdoctoral researcher Kathy Peter is on a mission to uncover chemical compounds that fall into the category of PFAS (per- and

Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States

January 26, 2021

If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the United States (US) and show your

Katherine Peter Honored with Morgan Early Career Award

Dr. Peter is a National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Research Chemist with the National Institute of Standards and

Classification Methods for the NIST Biorepository

We aim to identify chemometric fingerprints using artificial intelligence methods that reflect the temporal and geographic history of seabirds, and by extension

A woman with safety goggles and gloves stands at a lab bench.

A Better Alternative to Phthalates?

September 25, 2020

Detergents, shampoos, soaps and other everyday items sometimes contain a group of chemicals called phthalates, which are often used to enhance products and add

Two birds with black heads and white bellies stand on a rock.

Climate Variability May Alter Pollutants in Some Sub-Arctic Birds

August 11, 2020

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Emory University have discovered that some bird species in the sub-Arctic tend to ingest

Primary Focus Areas

Chemical Metrology In partnership with U.S. industry, other government agencies, and other scientific institutions, the Chemical Sciences...

A large brown seal is in the snow. It has whiskers that look like a beard on a human male.

NIST Helps Expand Genome Sequencing of Marine Mammals

May 7, 2020

Researchers will soon have access to the full genomic sequences for 23 marine mammal species preserved by the National Institute of Standards and Technology

A large whale is halfway out of the water, about to breach.

A Better Pregnancy Test for Whales

February 20, 2020

It’s not easy to do pregnancy tests on whales. You can’t just ask a wild ocean animal that’s the size of a school bus to pee on a little stick. For decades, the

Plastic Pollution Measurement Science

Plastics have undoubtedly brought numerous benefits to society, but the issue of plastic pollution has emerged as a significant global environmental challenge

NIST Publishes 2018 Department of Commerce Laboratories Technology Transfer Report

December 31, 2019

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) 2018 Annual Report on Technology Transfer. The

Photo montage showing fill the airplane with fire-fighting foam, a spilled glass of wine on the tablecloth. Cleaning clothes and furniture from stains, Discarded Fast Food Wrappers Littered on Ground, wateproof jacket with water droplets on it. Jacket using the gore-tex technology.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

NIST works to improve confidence in measurements and conducts research on PFAS for better human health and the environment.

Metrology in Biology

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) helps the biotechnology sector overcome challenges in research, product...

Dart biopsy collection from a free-ranging bottlenose dolphin

Vertebrate Endocrine Metrology in Non-Traditional Matrices

The monitoring of wildlife and broodstock health through endocrine assessments is essential to understanding reproduction and stress. Collecting blood samples

Campus Status

Consistent with CDC recommendations, you should refrain from coming on to campus if you are exhibiting symptoms consistent with or test...

A man stands at a podium in front of a large audience, and behind him a screen is lit up with the words 46th Annual NIST Awards Ceremony."

NIST Recognizes Staff Achievements with 2018 Awards

December 18, 2018

GAITHERSBURG, Md.—The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) last week recognized more than 190 staff members for

A large group of NIST Summer Undergraduate Research students stand on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. A bright green stick figure is drawn in on one side with the words Picture Yourself Here overtop

NIST Summer Internship Program Makes It Easier for Students to Apply

December 17, 2018

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has made it more straightforward for students to apply to the agency’s

A large polar bear is jumping from one block of ice to another.

Many Arctic Pollutants Decrease After Market Removal and Regulation

August 27, 2018

Levels of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) regulated by the Stockholm Convention are decreasing in the Arctic, according to an international team of