Washington, April 23 : A team of British scientists has created chemicals that have the potential to kill the most deadly malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum - including those resistant to existing drugs.

Researchers at the University of Leeds say that the compounds work by preventing the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) - essential to the growth of the parasite - from working, which results in its death.

Washington, Apr 23 : Researchers from the Kimmel Cancer Centre at Jefferson have found that vitamin K when combined with sorafenib can help curb pancreatic and primary liver cancers.

According to Dr Brian Carr, professor of Medical Oncology at the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, vitamin K1 or vitamin K2, combined with sorafenib (Nexavar) each have shown activity against the growth of human cancer cells by inhibiting the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway.

Washington, Apr 23 : A new study has revealed that common ulcer drugs when combined with an anti-inflammatory medication can offer a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

The research team from the University of British Columbia has found that drugs commonly used to treat ulcers have significant neuroprotective properties, which appear to be enhanced when used in combination with ibuprofen, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug.

Washington, Apr 23 : A glass of 100 percent juice every morning can lower the risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome - a cluster of conditions that increases risk for stroke, heart disease and diabetes, concludes a new study.

New research presented at the Experimental Biology (EB) 2009 meeting highlights the association among adult men and women, with evidence showing that 100 percent juice drinkers were leaner, had better insulin sensitivity and had lower risk for obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Washington, April 23 : Researchers at University of British Columbia have identified a `molecular key' that has the potential to increase the success of blood stem cell transplants.

Blood stem cell transplants are currently used to treat diseases such as leukemia, Hodgkin''s lymphoma and aplastic anemia.

During the procedure, donor blood stem cells - which can produce red and white blood cells and platelets - are injected into the recipient to produce new blood.

Washington, April 23 : A new study in rats has suggested that eating grapes could help in fighting high blood pressure and could also reduce other cardiovascular risks and heart muscle damage.

University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center researchers, who conducted the study, said that the benefits may be the result of the phytochemicals - naturally occurring antioxidants - turning on a protective process in the genes that reduces damage to the heart muscle.