The Benefits of Medical Marijuana: Experts Weigh In By Steven Kinse, West Virginia University, and Divya Ramesh, University of Connecticut

A bud tender at Private Organic Therapy, a nonprofit co-op medical marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles, displays various types of marijuana on Oct. 19, 2009.

Credit: David McNew/Getty Images

This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

Currently 25 states and the District of Columbia have medical cannabis programs. On Nov. 8, Arkansas, Florida and North Dakota will vote on medical cannabis ballot initiatives, while Montana will vote on repealing limitations in its existing law.

We have no political position on cannabis legalization. We study the cannabis plant, also known as marijuana, and its related chemical compounds. Despite claims that cannabis or its extracts relieve all sorts of maladies, the research has been sparse and the results mixed. At the moment, we just don't know enough about cannabis or its elements to judge how effective it is as a medicine.

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Bendable Battery May Power Future Wearable Devices, Smartphones By Kacey Deamer, Staff Writer

The bendable battery could be used in wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness bands and smart clothing.

Credit: Courtesy of Panasonic

A new bendable lithium-ion battery that can flex and twist could power wearable devices and one day be used to develop a flexible smartphone, according to Panasonic, which is developing the new battery.

Although it's still in the early stages of development, the battery already has been tested to withstand twists, bends and other deformations while maintaining its ability to hold a charge, according to Panasonic. In contrast, a regular lithium-ion battery, commonly used in smartphones and other gadgets, can degrade when it is deformed, thus shortening the device's operating time, the company said.

The battery was unveiled earlier this month during the annual Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC), a technology fair held from Oct. 4 to Oct. 7 in Japan. [10 Technologies That Will Transform Your Life]

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BMW's Futuristic Motorcycle Balances on Its Own By Kacey Deamer, Staff Writer

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The Motorrad Vision Next 100 will use self-balancing tech, which could do away with helmets and protective pads.

Credit: BMW

The motorcycle of the future is so smart that it could eliminate the need for protective gear, according to automaker BMW.

To mark its 100th birthday, BMW has unveiled a number of concept vehicles that imagine the future of transportation. Possibly its most daring revelation, the so-called Motorrad Vision Next 100 concept motorcycle is so advanced that BMW claims riders wouldn't need a helmet.

The Motorrad Vision Next 100 would have a self-balancing system that keeps the bike upright both in motion and when still. BMW touted the motorbike's futuristic features, saying it would allow for riders of all skill levels to "enjoy the sensation of absolute freedom." According to the automaker, the Motorrad wouldn't require protective gear such as helmets and padded suits. [Photos: The Robotic Evolution of Self-Driving Cars]

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Photos: Sick IDPs at Konduga camp clinic rushed to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)

Photos: Sick IDPs at Konduga camp clinic rushed to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)

Officials of Borno State Emergency Management Agency, who were on a search and rescue mission at Konduga Local Government IDP's camp conveyed five sick IDPs from the camp clinic to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for emergency treatment. See more photos after the cut.

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