Chemistry Nobel Prize awarded for quantum dots

The Nobel Prize for chemistry has been awarded to three scientists for their work in developing what are called quantum dots.

Most people have probably come across these tiny crystals in their TV sets where the nanoparticles create colour.

They are also used in medical imaging to guide surgeons, in better targeting of cancer drugs, and in solar panels.

Winners Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov will share the 11m Swedish krona (£824,000) prize.

Their names appeared to have been released accidentally hours before the official announcement by Sweden's Royal Academy of Sciences.