article_snippet: The International Prototype Kilogram (pictured) shed 0.0001g last century, leading scientists to come up with a more accurate measure of mass .
article_snippet: It’s a problem that has been weighing on scientists’ minds for years – how to redefine and accurately measure The International Prototype Kilogram.
article_snippet: The International Prototype Kilogram shed 100 micrograms (0.0001g) last century, which although is around the weight of dust particle, means The International Prototype Kilogram is becoming slowly less accurate.
article_snippet: But in order to win the international race to redefine The International Prototype Kilogram, Scientists at the German Nation Metrology Institute (PTB) in Braunschweig must perfect the method by developing the world’s roundest sphere.
article_snippet: Horst Bettin, head of the PTB's kilogram project, said: 'Horst Bettin, head of the PTB's kilogram project goal is to have PTB master the realisation of The International Prototype Kilogram completely anonymously.
article_snippet: Kilograms of different materials are based on the measurement of the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK).
article_snippet: ‘the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK) is the unit of mass; the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK) is equal to the mass of the international prototype of the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK),’ according to Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM).
article_snippet: the unit of mass is disseminated throughout the world via ‘official copies’.
article_snippet: With these copies and via further transfer standards, we teach weighing instruments how heavy a kilogram is,’ PTB scientists explained.
article_snippet: But the official IPK has shed 100 micrograms (0.0001g) in the last century, prompting experts to find a more exact way of defining the kilogram.
article_snippet: At worst, the international prototype of the kilogram could be destroyed or stolen all of a sudden [if an alternative isn’t created].
highlights_snippet: International Prototype Kilogram shed 100 micrograms last century .
  