Omar Yaghi

Omar Yaghi, a pioneering Professor of Chemistry at UC Berkeley, is at the forefront of materials chemistry. He discusses his groundbreaking work with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which can capture carbon and extract drinking water from desert air. The conversation dives into how these innovations tackle clean energy and water scarcity challenges. Yaghi also explores the future of material science, emphasizing the role of AI in shaping accessible, custom solutions that could revolutionize environmental sustainability.

Omar Yaghi, the 2025 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, is a trailblazer in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). In a candid conversation, he shares his astonishment upon receiving the prize and reflects on his humble beginnings as a refugee. Yaghi passionately describes the beauty of chemistry, unveiling how controlling matter at the molecular level has vast applications like water purification and CO2 capture. He encourages students to explore their curiosity and the aesthetic appeal of science, reminding us all to dig deeper into the wonders of our world.

Andrea Dupree, a Harvard astronomer, shares recent findings about Betelgeuse and its possible companion star, the 'Betelbuddy.' Omar Yaghi, a renowned chemist, discusses revolutionary materials for rapid carbon dioxide capture, aiming to combat climate change. Robert Jinkerson proposes a futuristic 'Electro-Agriculture' method to convert CO2 into plant food using solar energy. Meanwhile, Michael Frachetti reveals archaeological discoveries in Uzbekistan, shedding light on the rich history of Silk Road cities and their significance in ancient trade.