Legislation
H.R. 1734 TRANQ Research Act passed the House of Representatives on May 11, 2023. The bill requires NIST to support research activities regarding illicit drugs containing xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other substances of concern.
For more information about NIST’s work in this area, please see recent press release on a NIST study that shows alarming changes in the illegal drug supply.
Recent News
National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC) Year 1 Report
The NAIAC is tasked with advising the President and the National AI Initiative Office on topics related to the National AI Initiative. Congress directed the NAIAC to submit a report to the President and Congress after the first year, and then again every three years, to provide the Committee’s findings and recommendations on the National AI Initiative.
The Committee has finalized their year 1 report.
Researchers Pin Down PFAS Prevalence in Firefighter Gear
A firefighter’s protective clothing, called turnout gear, is essential for operating in the dangerous conditions of a fire. However, the firefighting community has raised concerns regarding the presence of a class of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — some of which have been linked to cancer — in the gear.
Until recently, the public has had little information regarding the specific types, quantities and location of PFAS in firefighter equipment, but now, a new report sheds light.
The study was called for in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act to inform steps that can be taken to address concerns regarding firefighters’ occupational exposure to PFAS chemicals through their turnout gear.
NIST Researchers Analyze THC in Breath of Cannabis Smokers
NIST and the University of Colorado Boulder have conducted a study in which they collected breath samples from people both before and after they smoked high-THC cannabis, aka marijuana, and used laboratory instruments to measure the amount of THC in their breath. The goal of this study, published in the Journal of Breath Research, was to begin developing a protocol that yields reproducible results — a necessary step toward a reliable, validated field-based method.
READ MORE and watch video highlighting NIST’s work.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 Core Discussion Draft
NIST is updating the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) which is widely used to help organizations better understand, manage, reduce, and communicate cybersecurity risks. This recently released CSF 2.0 Core discussion draft identifies the potential Functions, Categories, and Subcategories (also called cybersecurity outcomes) of the NIST CSF 2.0 Core.
This draft Core is preliminary and is intended to increase the overall transparency of the CSF update process, while also provoking discussion about improvements to potential changes to the CSF. Progress updates about NIST’s CSF 2.0 effort, as well as ways to engage, FAQs, and resources can be found on the NIST CSF 2.0 webpage.
CHIPS for America Outlines Vision for the National Semiconductor Technology Center
NIST released a paper outlining its vision and strategy for a National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a key component of the research and development program established by the CHIPS and Science Act. The NSTC will work with industry, academia, and other partners to establish a network of technical centers across the country to foster nationwide research and innovation--advancing U.S. competitiveness and technological leadership.
Hearings
On May 10, 2023, Dr. Laurie Locascio, Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology/Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology, United States Department of Commerce testified before the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, United States House of Representatives. The hearing was entitled An Overview of the Budget Proposal for the National Institute of Standards and Technology for Fiscal Year 2024. The purpose of the hearing was to review the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget request for the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
You can view a copy of Dr. Locascio’s testimony or video of the hearing.
Events
Upcoming Industrial Advisory Committee Meeting
On June 6, 2023, the Industrial Advisory Committee will hold a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting to discuss the progress of the CHIPS Research and Development Office’s programs and receive updates from the committee’s working groups.
Anyone wishing to attend this meeting in-person or via web conference must register by 5:00 pm ET on June 1, 2023. Additional important information for in-person attendees is available in the Federal Register notice linked above.
To register or submit a comment, click here.
Registration open for 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit
NIST and the FirstNet Authority have launched registration for 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit. The summit will take place June 28-30, 2023 in San Diego, California. This event will bring together public safety, academia, government, and industry leaders to discuss the current state of public safety communications technology and drive advancements in research, development, and deployment. Learn more and register today!
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