News and Updates

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NIST Team Uses Neutron Beams to Authenticate Historic Coins and Spot Fakes

April 29, 2025

Imaging antique coins with beams of low-energy neutrons, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and their colleagues have

A scientist wearing protective equipment places a tray of diced geoduck clam tissue into large open machinery.

NIST Researchers Develop Material for Measuring Arsenic in Shellfish

March 13, 2025

NIST’s new standard reference material will help ensure that geoduck clams and other shellfish are safe to eat.

A scientist wearing safety glasses stands in front of a monitor in her lab.

NIST Database Can Help Increase Recycling of Textiles and Clothing

January 7, 2025

Picture this: You have a bag of heavily used clothes that can no longer be donated taking up space in your closet, so you drop it off at your local recycling

Now Live: Living Cells Can Be Seen With Infrared Light

September 9, 2024

NIST researchers use new method to measure biomolecules in live cells.

SURF student Zainab Altamimi, who wears a hijab, stands in a lab with safety glasses and gloves on as she holds a micropipette in one hand and a vial in the other.

Spotlight: SURF Student Zainab Altamimi Spends Her Summer Researching the Capsules and Tablets in 3D Drug Printing

August 6, 2024

From antibiotics to insulin, there have been shortages of many lifesaving drugs in recent years, requiring doctors and patients to adapt treatment plans. But

NIST’s New Hemp Reference Material Will Help Ensure Accurate Cannabis Measurements

July 8, 2024

This will help forensic labs correctly determine whether a seized material is hemp, which is legal in all 50 states, or marijuana, which is a controlled

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.

The graphic depicts a firefighter wearing protective turnout gear with a diagram of the three layers of the gear, which are the outer shell, the moisture barrier and thermal barrier.

Wear and Tear May Cause Firefighter Gear to Release More ‘Forever Chemicals’

January 16, 2024

Are firefighters at risk of increased exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in their protective clothing?

A researcher wearing a face mask gestures to a Christmas tree set up in a metallic box with a large spotlight shining on it.

Live Christmas Trees Affect Indoor Air Chemistry, NIST Researchers Find

December 22, 2023

Many families enjoy the fresh fragrance of a real tree. That smell comes from chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

A researcher leans close to an open boxlike device, handling small tubes and vials inside.

NIST Develops Human Urine Standard for More Accurate Diagnosis of Kidney Disease

December 7, 2023

The standard will improve clinical measurements and support decisions for diagnosing kidney disease.

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.

Researchers Analyze THC in Breath of Cannabis Smokers

May 22, 2023

Distinguishing between recent use and past use remains an elusive goal.

Researchers Pin Down PFAS Prevalence in Firefighter Gear

May 1, 2023

The findings hint at potential solutions for safer equipment.

A person in a baseball cap and face mask stands at a computer surrounded by scientific equipment, including a curving black plastic tube.

Animal Tranquilizer Floods Illicit Drug Markets in Maryland

March 16, 2023

NIST study shows alarming changes in the illegal drug supply.

Picture of jars containing reference materials 8256, 8257, 8258, and 8259: Wild caught and aquacultured shrimp and salmon

Four NIST Reference Materials Help Authenticate Shrimp and Salmon

July 28, 2022

Four reference materials from NIST will help the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Customs and Border Protection agencies assess whether imported salmon and

Two open glass containers hold powder, one brown and one wite, with half-filled plastic scoops next to each.

NIST Tree Nut Reference Materials Support Food Allergen Testing

June 6, 2022

Researchers from NIST have developed hazelnut and almond flour reference materials that will help ensure accurate and consistent results for industry test kits.

Illustration shows coffee cup with magnified section showing plastic particles.

NIST Study Shows Everyday Plastic Products Release Trillions of Microscopic Particles Into Water

April 20, 2022

Researchers analyzed widely used consumer products to better understand these microscopic plastics.

An open black box with foam inserts holds plastic vials labeled SRM 2917.

NIST Collaborates With EPA to Develop a Standard to Improve Fecal Pollution Measurements in Recreational Waters

April 6, 2022

As we approach summer beach season, you may occasionally encounter a "keep out" sign indicating that the area is temporarily closed. If fecal pollution is

Painting of woman holding a mandolin has magnified section showing metal soap structures.

NIST, Collaborators Uncover New Details on the Formation of ‘Metal Soaps’ in Oil Paint Hindering the Conservation of Artworks

March 3, 2022

When you think of soaps, you may first picture the liquid foams or solid bars that wash away dirt, grime and bacteria. However, not all soaps are cleansers. In

Analytical chemistry