The tests ensure that a product meets federal standards. NIST accredits the laboratories and verifies their technical competence to test cryptographic modules. The labs ensure that the products meet the requirements of Federal Information Processing Standard 140-1, Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules . Federal agencies are required to use FIPS 140-1 when purchasing cryptographic products intended to protect sensitive, unclassified information. The standard is used voluntarily by businesses as well, particularly in the financial services industry.
Living cells are no different.
Cells have hundreds of different types of nanometer-size pores or channels for selectively admitting needed chemicals, nutrients or proteins through their membranes. The selectivity of these membranes and the speed at which molecules traverse them make them attractive potential tools for drug discovery or genetic sequencing. However, before adapting them for such uses, scientists need a better fundamental understanding of how they work. NIST scientists are developing measurement methods to probe the biophysical properties of cellular membranes. A team in the NIST Biotechnology Division has built a special confocal microscope which can detect single molecules in synthetic lipid bilayer membranes.