Three scientists win chemistry Nobel for ‘molecular machines’

Three scientists have won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for developing the world’s smallest machines, work that could revolutionize computer technology and lead to a new type of battery.

Frenchman Jean-Pierre Sauvage, British-born Fraser Stoddart and Dutch scientist Bernard “Ben” Feringa share the 8 million kronor ($930,000) prize for the “design and synthesis of molecular machines,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences says.

Machines at the molecular level are 1,000th the width of a human hair and have taken chemistry to a new dimension, the academy said. Molecular machines “will most likely be used in the development of things such as new materials, sensors and energy storage systems.”

The academy said the laureates’ work has also inspired other researchers to build increasingly advanced molecular machinery, including “a robot that can grasp and connect amino acids” in 2013. Researchers are also hoping to develop a new kind of battery using this technology.

Sauvage, 71, is professor emeritus at the University of Strasbourg and director of research emeritus at France’s National Center for Scientific Research.

Speaking to French TV channel itele, Sauvage calls it a memorable moment and a big surprise.

Stoddart, 74, is a chemistry professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. His daughter Alison says he was “absolutely ecstatic” at the honor.

Feringa, 65, is a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands.

“I don’t know what to say, I’m a bit shocked,” Feringa tells reporters in Stockholm by telephone. “I’m so honored and I’m also emotional about it.”

— AP