2026 science Nobels honor mirror-image molecule work and brain research
This year's chemistry award, handed out in Stockholm, recognized work on mirror-image molecules, with other top prizes honoring cosmic particles and brain control by light.
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What happened
The 2026 science Nobel prizes have been awarded, with the chemistry prize going to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai for research on mirror-image molecules. Coverage has since explained the prizes, including ghost particles, the mirror-molecule puzzle and optogenetics, the light-based method for controlling the brain. Researchers at Arizona State University have also discussed what the winners' discoveries mean within their fields.
Why it matters
The prizes also recognize work on the cosmos and on the brain.
Timeline
- Oct 7, 2026: The chemistry Nobel was presented to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm.
- Oct 11, 8:00 AM ET: Explainers covered the ghost particles, homochirality and optogenetics behind this year's scientific prizes.
- Oct 12, 3:00 PM ET: Arizona State University researchers discussed the significance of the 2026 winners and their discoveries within their fields.
Coverage
- Scientists win chemistry Nobel for discoveries about mirrored molecules that led to many drugs (AP)
- Nobel Prize for “Asymmetric Synthesis” (mcgill.ca)
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