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STORY: Brus, a professor at Columbia University, was one of three scientists awarded this year's Nobel Chemistry Prize for their discovery of tiny clusters of atoms known as quantum dots, widely used today to create colors in flat screens, light emitting diode (LED) lamps and devices that help surgeons see blood vessels in tumors.

The other winners are MIT professor Moungi Bawendi and nanotech scientist Aleksey Ekimov.

Brus said that he tried to sleep through the first six phone calls because he forgot that the Nobel Chemistry prize was scheduled for Wednesday morning.

However, he added that he was elated, and pleased that the work, his colleagues, and his university had been recognized.