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Bioscience / Biosecurity

Biosurveillance

Projects/Programs

Displaying 1 - 11 of 11
Genetic codes

Biosecurity for Synthetic Nucleic Acid Sequences

Ongoing
Synthetic nucleic acid technologies are fundamental to U.S. biotechnology and biomanufacturing innovation. However, like other transformative technologies, they carry dual-use potential: while they can drive significant progress, they pose risks of unintentional or deliberate misuse to engineer

Biosurveillance and Pathogen Detection

Ongoing
NIST has established partnerships with other federal agencies to develop standards and measurement solutions to support biosurveillance. These efforts are supported in part through interagency agreements with partner agencies listed below to address their standards needs. PROGRAMS Standards for
Unit of RGTM 10263 -- H5N1 Avian flu synthetic RNA fragments

H5 Influenza Positive Controls

Ongoing
In response to the current H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, NIST has developed a research grade test material (RGTM) for PCR-based assays. This material contains 3 vials with RNA fragments for HA (Part A), NA (Part B), and MP (Part C). A NIST Reference Material is also under development. The guidance
RM2Yeast

Living Yeast Cell Reference Material (RM 8230)

Ongoing
Quantification of total and viable microbial cells is critical for applications ranging from assessment of DNA extraction efficiency in support of microbial metagenomics to characterization of antimicrobial efficacy. In addition, safe biological materials are needed to substitute for true biothreat
Graphic of a erlenmeyer flask containing tilled soil, a green leaf, and yellow wheat.

Molecular Innovation in Agriculture

Ongoing
Plant science and breeding aim to develop new plant phenotypes with desired qualities, increased production, disease resistance, and traits that reduce water usage. At the federal level, plant research is conducted by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Agricultural
MPXV RGTM wrapped linear insert

Mpox (MPXV) Synthetic DNA PCR Standards

Ongoing
A new material from NIST can aid in the evaluation and development of selected qPCR assays for the mpox virus. We are offering a unit free of charge in exchange for your feedback, which will help us improve and further develop the material. Questions? Contact MPXV-RGTM [at] nist.gov (MPXV-RGTM[at]nist[dot]gov) . NIST supports the

Standards to Support Biological Detection in the Field

Ongoing
NIST is working in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) to develop methods, guidance, standards, and reference materials to support and improve our Nation's ability to detect and respond to suspected biothreat incidents. Specific
First responders collecting samples of the yeast surrogate material during a field exercise. (Credit: NIST)

Standards to Support Biothreat Detection

Ongoing
Since 9/11 and the subsequent anthrax attacks in 2001, suspicious white powder incidents continue to occur within the US, often requiring Federal law enforcement response. Suspect samples are sent to public health laboratories for confirmatory evaluation, which can take hours to weeks to receive

Wastewater Surveillance

Ongoing
NIST is partnering with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS/S&T) to develop documentary standards and reference materials to support an enduring capability in wastewater surveillance. Ongoing activities include: Development of a research grade test material
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