Nigeria, Oct. 9 -- Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai have won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work on molecular "mirror images." The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (RSAS) cited their discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.

Soai heard about the prize by phone while he was shopping at a neighborhood supermarket. He then spoke by phone with the Nobel committee and journalists. He said: "I'm very excited to receive the very nice news." He added: "Of course, this is one of the most exciting days in my life."

Image Credit: Narottamsahoo How their work won the prize:

Many molecules, such as amino acids, exist in two mirror-image forms, like left and right hands. Living organisms use only one form...