Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease or disorder. In particular the cannabinoids cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabidivarin (CBDV) were able to produce neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of neurodegenerative disease. In particular these effects were associated with the symptoms associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Furthermore, the combination of the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with the drug olexisome provided a synergistic disease modifying effect in a mouse model of neurodegenerative disease. In particular these effects were associated with the symptoms associated with ALS.

Abstract: A sample procurement and retention tool designed for extraterrestrial use. The device is adapted to procure and retain multiple loosely adhered geological samples of various shapes, sizes, and weights. In addition, the device is sized for dexterity optimization, and designed to prevent cross contamination of samples. The device includes a chamber housing detachable from a handle assembly with a portion of the chamber housing being rotatable with respect to the handle assembly. The chamber housing includes a plurality of chambers with at least one chamber having a sample cartridge that can be triggered through the handle assembly. Each sample cartridge stored in the chambers can be triggered to retrieve samples and then the chamber housing can be detached to employ another chamber housing.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer having an active layer is mounted on a carrier with the active layer away from the carrier and at least partially diced on the carrier from a major surface of the semiconductor wafer. The at least partially diced semiconductor wafer is etched on the carrier from the said major surface with a spontaneous etchant to remove sufficient semiconductor material from a die produced from the at least partially diced semiconductor wafer to improve flexural bend strength of the die by removing at least some defects caused by dicing.