# Mirror molecules: one helps, one harms

> Nobel-winning chemistry lets scientists make safe drug versions on demand.
- Title: Mirror molecules: one helps, one harms · The Conversation
- Summary: Nobel-winning chemistry lets scientists make safe drug versions on demand. Chemists can now create specific mirror-image drug forms to avoid harmful effects.
- Keywords: chirality, isomers, thalidomide, resveratrol, alzheimer's, noble prize 2026, drug design, amino acids, tyrosine, science, ideas, Mirror
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/many-drugs-have-mirror-chemical-structures-one-helpful-and-the-other-harmful-a-nobel-winning-discovery-allows-chemists-to-make-either-on-demand-293914
- Author: Sajish Mathew
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chirality, isomers, thalidomide, resveratrol, alzheimer's, noble prize 2026, drug design, amino acids, tyrosine, science, ideas
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Chemists can now create specific mirror-image drug forms to avoid harmful effects.