2015 Chemistry Nobel awarded to 3 scientists who discovered how cells repair DNA

Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich, and Aziz Sancar won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry — (Image credit: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, three scientists — Tomas Lindahl of Sweden, American Paul Modrich, and U.S.-Turkish researcher Aziz Sancar — were awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work uncovering the "toolbox" cells use to fix rogue DNA. Their molecular-level mapping of how "cells repair damaged DNA and safeguard the genetic information... has provided fundamental knowledge of how a living cell functions and is, for instance, used for the development of new cancer treatments," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences explained in a statement.

The three scientists will split the prestigious $960,000 prize equally.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.