Taking Measure

Researcher in safety glasses and gloves sits at a lab bench working with small test tubes.

Measure Twice, Cut Once: How Measuring Molecular ‘Scissors’ Can Further Groundbreaking Research

July 16, 2025

Sam Schaffter

A NIST researcher solved a measurement mystery that can help with the development of medical treatments.

Lisa Ng kneels, holding parts of a circular fan built into a room divider.

Clearing the Air: How an Air Quality Researcher Takes Care of the Air Her Family Breathes

July 9, 2025

Lisa Ng

These are the simple and inexpensive steps a NIST air quality researcher takes to keep her home’s air as clean as possible.

A model of a human head lies face up on the platform of an MRI machine.

Precise Measurements Can Help Cancer Patients Live Longer, Healthier Lives

June 25, 2025

Stephen Russek

NIST researchers are working to better measure radiation — to help keep cancer patients living long, healthy lives after they complete their treatments.

Corey Stambaugh poses smiling outdoors on the NIST campus.

A Quantum Leap Forward: How Tiny Particles Can Bring Us Exciting New Tech

June 18, 2025

Corey Stambaugh

Researchers are using quantum science to develop computers that can do tasks traditional computers can’t do as efficiently. That’s why it’s an exciting time to work in quantum.

Two NIST researchers, wearing hardhats and protective jackets, watch a small shed burn as part of a setudy.

Fighting Fire With Research: How a Scientist Is Protecting People and Property From Wildfires

June 16, 2025

Brian Gutierrez

NIST fire experts are working to better understand dangerous wildfires, so communities can protect people and homes.

About this blog

Taking Measure is the official blog of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

It provides a behind-the-scenes look at NIST’s research and programs, covering a broad range of science and technology areas. Through this blog, NIST’s researchers and staff share why they do what they do and how today’s research will lead to tomorrow’s innovations.

The views presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of NIST.

If you have any questions about our blog or reprint requests, please contact us at takingmeasure [at] nist.gov (takingmeasure[at]nist[dot]gov).

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