Stockholm: John Fenn of the United States, Koichi Tanaka of Japan and Kurt Wuethrich of Switzerland on October 9 won the 2002 Nobel Chemistry Prize for work on revolutionary analytical methods for bio-molecules, the Nobel jury said.

"The prize concerns powerful analytical methods for studying biological macromolecules, for example proteins. The possibility of analysing proteins in detail has led to increased understanding of the processes of life," the jury said.

Bio-molecular research has revolutionised the development of new pharmaceuticals and has also impacted other areas such as foodstuff control and early diagnosis of breast and prostate cancer, the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences said.

Fenn and Tanaka won one half of the prize worth 10 million Kronor ($ 1.07 million), while Wuethrich won the other half.