From The Conversation · Sajish Mathew · · 1m
Mirror molecules: one helps, one harms
Nobel-winning chemistry lets scientists make safe drug versions on demand.
In brief
Nobel-winning chemistry lets scientists make safe drug versions on demand. Chemists can now create specific mirror-image drug forms to avoid harmful effects. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Mirror molecules
Some molecules have mirror images that share the same atoms but differ in 3D structure.
Thalidomide tragedy
One thalidomide isomer causes birth defects while the other has sedative effects.
Nobel-winning discovery
The 2026 Nobel Prize in chemistry enabled chemists to create only one mirror-image version of a molecule.
Resveratrol mystery
Clinical trials on resveratrol for Alzheimer's show inconsistent results due to mirror-image forms.
Cis vs trans resveratrol
Cis-resveratrol boosts neuron health while trans-resveratrol can cause neural damage at high doses.
Tyrosine's role
D-tyrosine can disrupt protein synthesis but cells evolved enzymes to ensure only L-tyrosine is used.
Alzheimer's connection
Alzheimer's patients with high tyrosine levels show depleted TyrRS enzyme levels.
What happens next
Scientists can now create specific drug forms to avoid harmful effects in Alzheimer's treatment.
The big picture
Chemists can now create specific mirror-image drug forms to avoid harmful effects.
