Open class on 2 Japanese Nobel winners' research

A science museum in Tokyo has held a special event featuring the achievements of 2 Japanese winners of this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Hokkaido University Professor Emeritus Akira Suzuki and special professor Ei-ichi Negishi of Purdue University in the United States were named as winners of the prize on Wednesday.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation held the event on Friday, with some 30 people attending.

Museum researcher Kazuaki Hiroki explained palladium-catalyzed cross coupling reactions in organic synthesis, for which the 2 chemists are to be awarded the prize.
Hiroki said their achievement has led to production of AIDS medicine as well as crucial technology to make liquid crystal display TVs and mobile phones.

A junior high school student said she learned that the 2 chemists have made great achievements that have helped people in various aspects of daily life.

Hiroki said he wants people to know the usefulness of chemistry.

The museum will hold the similar events twice a day through Monday.