SCIENTISTS in York have linked arms with experts in the U.S. to carry out joint research to identify new health products from plants.

The Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP) research group at the University of York is to work with the Oklahoma-based Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.

The joint research programme will start this summer in the Noble Laboratory, a research-base in the brand new £25 million biosciences building at the University of York.

Professor Richard Dixon, director of the Noble Foundation plant biology division and head of the new Noble Laboratory, said: "The creation of this new laboratory represents a wonderful opportunity to develop new technologies based on the incredible diversity of biologically active chemicals found in plants for the prevention and treatment of human diseases."

Professor Tony Robards, of York University, said: "At York we are very, very good - world class - at this sort of science, which has to take place on a global basis, and it prospers through the co-operation of researchers. It's a case of great minds thinking alike."

Updated: 09:50 Tuesday, March 25, 2003