Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Taking Measure Blog Posts

Information technology

Get Taking Measure blogs
delivered to your inbox.

Displaying 26 - 50 of 111

Left: Machine that looks like an old fashioned typewriter in a box. Right: picture of Alan Turing along with a bio. Both are from a museum exhibit.

Alan Turing’s Everlasting Contributions to Computing, AI and Cryptography

June 21, 2022

René Peralta

Suppose someone asked you to devise the most powerful computer possible. Alan Turing, whose reputation as a central figure in computer science and artificial intelligence has only grown since his untimely death in 1954, applied his genius to problems such as this one in an age before computers as we

Alexey Gorshkov poses at a whiteboard, holding a marker.

What’s So Great About Quantum Computing? A Q&A With NIST Theorist Alexey Gorshkov

May 20, 2022

The NIST theorist discusses his efforts toward designing quantum computers, revealing their possible capabilities, and showing why we all should be excited about them.

Illustration shows a pattern of repeating DNA strands with a shadowy figure in a trenchcoat and hat lurking behind.

How Secure Is Your DNA?

May 19, 2022

Ronald Pulivarti

Is genomic data distinct from other data types? How should cybersecurity protection be tailored to genomic data? NIST is working to find the answers.

Grid showing six fingerprints in different false colors.

A Tale of Two Errors: Measuring Biometric Algorithms

May 13, 2022

Greg Fiumara

NIST researchers conduct biometric technology evaluations, working closely with developers of software that compares images of fingerprints, faces and irises.

A man wearing a face mask touches a computer screen in a lab with robotic arms in the foreground.

Solving a Robotics Puzzle During a Summer Internship at NIST

January 24, 2022

Steven Salisbury

For nine years, I have been obsessed with the Rubik’s Cube. It is a puzzle that has simultaneously stumped and interested the whole world since it was first invented, something few other puzzles can claim. However, while most people are satisfied after solving the cube once, I wasn’t. I wanted to

collage of transparent tiles, each with an icon on them, a lock, a light bulb, a quantum computer, a computer server, a globe, a tablet, the White House, and a computer screen

Post-Quantum Cryptography: A Q&A With NIST’s Matt Scholl

October 19, 2021

Quantum computing algorithms seek to use quantum phenomena to perform certain types of calculations much more efficiently than today’s classical, binary, transistor-based computers can. If and when a powerful enough quantum computer is built, it could run algorithms that would break many of the

a kitchen with a voice activated assistant on the counter, graphics indicate that it is connected wirelessly to the stove, the toaster, the blender and so on.

Cybersecurity Labeling for Consumer IoT Devices: A Q&A With NIST’s Katerina Megas

October 12, 2021

The connection of devices, including household devices, to the internet has created a raft of new potential entryways for hackers to invade your home networks and cause chaos and destruction. The proliferation of these devices has prompted calls for the creation of consumer labels to let would-be

woman in a plaid shirt using a set of VR goggles and hand controls, a man sits at a computer in the background

Passing Photons Through Chicken, VR for First Responders, and 3D-Printed Metal: A Sample of Stories on NIST Social Media

June 7, 2021

Riley Wilson

Sending “spooky” pairs of photons through biological materials, using virtual reality to test emergency communications technology, bolstering confidence in the latest manufacturing techniques — NIST has no shortage of exciting developments, despite our largely remote workforce at the moment. Here

RNA Structure and Dynamics: The One-Two Punch in the Fight Against COVID-19

February 17, 2021

Christina Bergonzo

We are all well aware of COVID-19, and by now most people have seen pictures of the spike protein that forms the “handshake” interaction between virus and host cells and is the basis of two new vaccines. The COVID-19 virus is made of RNA, which manufactures the spike protein and all the other

cartoon of a young woman at her desk speaking by webcam with another person.

The NIST Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program Goes Virtual

January 27, 2021

Brandi Toliver

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) designed the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through a unique research experience that supports our mission

Zach Trautt and Shelby Platner sharing a split screen video call.

Internships in the Time of COVID: A Q&A With Shelby Platner and NIST's Zach Trautt

January 25, 2021

Across the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), internships are a very important experience for students and staff members alike. But for most of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic closed the campus to most NIST staff members and prevented traditional internships on campus from happening

the cryogenic quantum testbed, a sophisticated metallic gold electronic device

Is Your Qubit Better Than My Qubit?

January 21, 2021

Corey Rae McRae

I had been studying superconducting quantum computing for seven years before I was stumped by this seemingly simple question: How do I know if my qubit is better than your qubit? Quantum computers could ultimately unlock the capability to solve hard problems in chemistry, cryptography and quantum

a collage of images. The number "2020" is surrounded by images of NIST staff George Gibson, Matt Staymates and Yamali Hernandez, a poster for the movie "The Last Artifact," an image of bikers racing up a hill, and a rifle bullet in a glass vial.

Need Some Good News? NIST’s 2020 Highlights

December 16, 2020

Mark Esser

2020 has been a challenging year, but we at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have worked as hard as we can to fulfill our mission for the American people: to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in

A burning workcart. There are sensors set up all around it, and the clock on the floor reads 13:59.

The New NIST Fire Calorimetry Database Is Available to Answer Your Burning Questions

December 8, 2020

Matthew Bundy

Several centuries ago, scientists discovered oxygen while experimenting with combustion and flames. One scientist called it “fire air.” Today, at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), we continue to measure oxygen to study the behavior of fires. The NIST National Fire Research

cityscape with icons representing various IOT technologies

Lightweight Crypto, Heavyweight Protection

November 27, 2020

Meltem Sonmez Turan

Logic puzzles, brain teasers and mathematical riddles fascinated me throughout my childhood, so I feel lucky that I ended up with a career that never lacks for mathematical challenges. Part of my job at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) involves reviewing the cryptographic

artist's concept of the inside of a quantum computer. A grid of blue computer chips with beams of light moving between them.

The Future Is Now: Spreading the Word About Post-Quantum Cryptography

November 24, 2020

Dustin Moody

I consider myself a quiet guy — on a Friday night you can usually find me at home doing crossword puzzles. Public speaking doesn’t come naturally to me, and I’ve never really liked it. Like many people, I get really nervous. So, how did I find myself standing at a podium in front of hundreds of

a collage of different graphical objects including representations of an ambulance, a police car, fire fighters, 911 call takers and various communications technologies like smartphones.

How NIST Is Helping First Responders Stay Connected

November 24, 2020

Shanée Dawkins

What do first responders do? It’s an easy question, and I used to think I knew the answer. Firefighters put out fires; police officers enforce the law; EMS workers treat injuries; 911 operators answer 911 calls and dispatch first responders to the scene. Simple, right? I am a computer scientist at

a man and a woman walking toward one another with exposure notification system bracelets on. "Waves" coming off the bracelets show that they are coming too close to one another.

Developing an Exposure Notification System to Blunt the Spread of COVID-19 and Future Pandemics

November 9, 2020

Nader Moayeri

I am part of a grassroots effort at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that is developing an exposure notification system for pandemics in general, though we hope it could be used in at least a limited fashion during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are fortunate at NIST to

NICE Framework Work Categories People Image

End Your FOMO: Ten Ways to Celebrate National Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week With NICE

October 29, 2020

Davina Pruitt-Mentle

National Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week is Nov. 9-14, 2020 — a weeklong campaign to call attention to the innovative contributions cybersecurity practitioners have made to society. The week focuses on building awareness about the wide range of cybersecurity career opportunities, how

graphic showing various ways that people are accessing the internet and networked resources via computers, mobile phones and clouds

Zero Trust Cybersecurity: ‘Never Trust, Always Verify’

October 23, 2020

Alper Kerman

Huh? What? At least that was my response the first time I heard the words “zero trust” when I started working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) in the fall of 2018. Mind you, I was also making a fresh start with an

intermeshed gears. They have the words "society", "sustainability", "economy" and "environment" written on them.

Sustainable Manufacturing Is Smart Manufacturing

October 1, 2020

KC Morris

The COVID pandemic has highlighted the role that manufacturing plays in our society. Manufacturing is important not only for improving our quality of life but also for the necessities of life, from food to toilet paper to transportation and safe and secure housing. As our society has evolved, we

an android in a factory carrying a tablet computer

A.I. for Smarter Factories: The World of Industrial Artificial Intelligence

August 28, 2020

Michael Sharp

As the digital age moves forward, it’s becoming impossible to avoid interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Computer assistants and AIs perform an ever-growing range of tasks that are broadly intended to improve our quality of life. This extends to industry as well. But first, what do

patient in a comfy chair having his blood pressure taken. The blood pressure cuff is attached to a tablet.

Making Sure Virtual Doctor Visits Are Private and Secure

August 20, 2020

Jennifer Cawthra

“Telehealth” refers to a wide range of technologies to connect patients to health care services through videoconferencing, remote monitoring, electronic consultations and wireless communications. Just like you would expect your virtual conversation with your doctor to be private and secure, you

Box at top that looks like search bar. 6 icons that look like pieces of paper with magnifying glasses on top. 3 are green and checkmarked.

Seek and You Will (Probably) Find: Helping Mine COVID-19 Research Data

July 16, 2020

Ellen Voorhees

Think back to the last time you did an information search. Did you find what you were looking for? How easy was it to find? Search is now pervasive, and we generally assume we’ll be able to find information we want. So, by that definition, search engines are good (enough). How did they get that good

Alicia, Bob, Carrie and Dave working in a factory equipped with augmented reality. Hazards and detours are shown as Carrie would see them through her augmented reality headset. Machines display digital info. Bob checks a machine in error. Alicia watches the scene on her computer screen seeing the same digital information on her screen.

Industrial XR: Fulfilling Human Potential in Smart Factories

July 9, 2020

Bill Bernstein, Teodor Vernica

Step into the factory of the future. Alicia, an operations manager, sits at her workstation viewing a digitally enhanced video feed of the facility using cameras installed in strategic locations. Wearing safety gear, a maintenance engineer named Bob checks his tablet for the next machine to fix

Information technology

Subscribe