U.S. government researchers are working on models of how computer grids react to viruses and other problems to help protect networks from attacks. Grid computing takes advantage of "down time" when computers are not using their full processing power. By linking thousands of geographically dispersed computers, scientists are able to work on problems too complicated for even supercomputers to tackle. For example, grid computing can be used to find answers in fields as diverse as genomics, engineering design and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. It even is finding commercial application in financial services. Now, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has launched a new project to improve understanding of how computer grids react to volatile conditions. When many computers are linked together, they become more vulnerable to failures due to sudden changes in workload and cyber attacks. Computer scientists at NIST are developing new computerized models that will help establish how vulnerable grid networks are to failure. The models will help those who work with grids detect failures quickly so they can fix the problem, they said.