, Oct. 8 -- Scientists Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing metal-organic frameworks - molecular structures capable of trapping gases and storing them in ways that could help solve some of the world's toughest environmental challenges.

An expert compared their discovery to Hermione Granger's enchanted handbag from the "Harry Potter" series - small on the outside but surprisingly spacious inside. These frameworks can capture carbon dioxide from the air or extract water from arid environments, offering new possibilities in combating pollution and resource scarcity.

"The frameworks are small on the outside but very large on the inside," said Olof Ramstrom, a member of the N...