Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai win Nobel for 'making chemistry choose a mirror image'

Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai for discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai “for the discovery of non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.”The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences decided to award the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai. (X@Noble Prize)The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday in Stockholm.Deep DiveLast year, three scientists won the chemistry Nobel for developing new molecular structures that can hold large amounts of gas. Their work could help in efforts to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and collect moisture in dry, desert regions.This year's Nobel prizes began with the Medicine prize on Monday, which was awarded to three scientists whose work helped develop a tool that uses light to study how the brain works.On Tuesday, the Physics Nobel was awarded to a scientist for research that helped scientists better understand a rare type of neutrino.The Literature Nobel will be announced on Thursday, followed by the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences will be announced on Monday.The prize money this year is 12 million Swedish kronor (around $1.2 million). The amount is the same whether the prize goes to one person, a small group of laureates or an organisation.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MoreNobel PrizeChemistryNobel Peace PrizeGet the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.