Nobel prize in chemistry awarded for work on mirror-image molecules

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1. 4h ago

   Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded for Mirror-Image Molecules

   Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for solving the mystery of mirror-image molecules. The laureates were recognized for their groundbreaking research in asymmetric organic synthesis, specifically the discovery of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis. Their work explains how to control molecular handedness, allowing chemists to produce one specific mirror version of a molecule on demand. This chemical symmetry control aids the understanding of how pharmaceuticals function within the body, as many drugs possess mirror structures where one form is helpful and the other is harmful.

   Why it matters

   Many chemical molecules exist in two forms that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other, much like human hands. This phenomenon, known as chirality, dictates how medications interact with biological systems. The discoveries made by Kagan and Soai provide chemists with the tools to manufacture precise chiral molecules selectively, preventing the creation of harmful or ineffective mirror-image byproducts.

   What is confirmed

   • The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai.
   • The award recognizes their research on mirror-image molecules and asymmetric organic synthesis.
   • Their discoveries involve nonlinear effects and autocatalysis.
   • The work helps chemists produce specific mirror-image versions of molecules on demand.
   • The findings aid the understanding of how medicines work in the body.

   What to watch next

   • Formal Nobel Prize award ceremonies and lectures in Stockholm
   Sources used for this update (25)

   1. The New York Times — Nobel Prize in Chemistry Is Awarded to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai
   2. The Guardian — Nobel prize in chemistry awarded for work on mirror-image molecules
   3. Reuters — Nobel chemistry prize goes to pair who solved mystery of 'mirror image' molecules
   4. Chemical & Engineering News — Chemistry Nobel awarded for chiral chemistry advances
   5. The Economist — A Nobel for illuminating life’s asymmetry
   6. Houston Public Media — This Rice University professor has helped pick more than a dozen Nobel Prize winners
   7. NobelPrize.org — Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2026 - Prize announcement
   8. CNN — Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry for unraveling mystery of mirror molecules
   9. The Conversation — Many drugs have mirror chemical structures, one helpful and the other harmful – a Nobel-winning discovery allows chemists to make either on demand
   10. The Conversation — A molecule’s ‘handedness’ can determine whether it’s an effective drug – 4 examples of pharmaceuticals where chirality matters
   11. CBS News — Nobel Peace Prize winner to be announced Friday. Minneapolis was floated as a possibility for the prize.
   12. PBS — WATCH LIVE: Winner of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize is ...
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