A research done by scientists at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute had reported a discovery that a compound extracted from cannabis may demonstrate effective results in the prevention of breast cancer cells from spreading throughout the body. The said compound is called CBD. This is found in Cannabis sativa.

The researchers reported that this may be the first non-toxic means that displays potential in treating metastatic kinds of breast cancer. According to Sean D. McAllister, Ph.D., a cancer researcher at CPMCRI and the lead author of the study, there is a limited extent of alternatives treating aggressive forms of cancer. Treatments, like chemotherapy, may be effective. However, such treatments have toxic side-effects and are painful for patients to undergo. This new compound discovered proposes a promise of a non-toxic therapy that could accomplish similar outcomes without any of the undesirable consequences.

The scientists manipulated CBD to slow down the activity of a gene, called Id-1. This gene is believed to be accountable for the forceful proliferation of cancer cells throughout the body. As such, more parts of the body are being attacked by the cancer cells and not only the original tumor site.

Pierre-Yves Desprez, Ph.D., a cancer researcher at CPMCRI and the senior author of the study, confirmed that Id-1 is a key factor in the spread of breast cancer. Furthermore, Id-1 has also been discovered to be at higher levels in other types of cancer. As such, the discovery of this new compound that inhibits Id-1 is exciting because it may prove to not only stop breast cancer cells from spreading, but also may be effective in treating other forms of cancer, such as colon, brain, or prostrate cancer.

However, the researchers were also quick to clarify that while their discovery is promising, they are not advocating the smoking of marijuana for people with breast cancer. They further explained that it is highly unlikely that effective concentrations of CBD could be achieved through smoking cannabis. Moreover, CBD, although not psychoactive, is considered a Schedule I drug.

A good way of viewing plant specimen is with the use of a stereo binocular microscope. Cell structures of plants are made visible because of the clear magnification and transmitted light of this type of microscope. Not only that, a stereo binocular microscope gives the observer a three dimensional view of the subject placed under it which is unlike the two-dimensional image given by a compound microscope. Images come alive, allowing the scientist to better observe and appreciate the plant specimen because of the erect and upright image that a stereo binocular microscope provides.

In observing a plant sample with the aid of a stereo binocular microscope, the plant specimen must first be cut into thin segments. The specimen must be fine because a stereo binocular microscope operates with incident light. As such, the plant sample has to be thin enough in order to let the light pass.

Stereo binocular microscope is not only limited to viewing plant samples. In fact, this type of microscope has a wide range of applications. A stereo binocular microscope may be employed in examinations of other natural specimens, such as minerals and insects, among others. Also, a stereo binocular microscope may be used in technical applications. Coins, textiles, and electronic components may be placed under a stereo binocular microscope for observation. Aside from mentioned applications, dissection and precision assembly can be achieved through the employment of a stereo binocular microscope. A biologist, a paleontologist, or a circuit board technician can respectively use a stereo binocular microscope for dissection, fossil observation, and repair.