France and Japan share the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for mirror-image molecule work

This year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to Henri B. Kagan, of France, and Kenso Soai, of Japan, for discoveries on mirror-image molecules.

• The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the prize Wednesday in Stockholm.
• Kagan, of Paris-Sud University, and Soai, of Tokyo University of Science, will share the 12 million Swedish kronor prize equally.
• The Nobel committee cited their work "for the discovery of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis."
• The committee said the discoveries were revolutionary for chemists developing reactions for pharmaceuticals, flavors, scents and new materials.