The human body uses a different form of energy than electrical currents generated by a typical battery. But now, for the first time, University of Maryland engineers have developed a battery that generates ionic currents, which is how electricity is created in the body and all living organisms.

The European Commission and the Federal Trade Commission put Chicago, Ill.-based Abbott in a tough place with its merger with Waltham, Mass-based Alere Inc. The agencies noted that Abbott would hold both of the marketed hand-held, point-of-care blood diagnostic systems, its own I-stat and Alere's Epoc, after the deal completes.

Mountain View, Calif.-based start up Alivecor Inc. started out with a strong consumer focus for its FDA-cleared mobile electrocardiogram (ECG) technology Kardia, aiming particularly for people with known or suspected atrial fibrillation. But it's been increasingly moving toward a more traditional path in relation to treatment by health care providers and reimbursement from payers.

Scientists have a limited understanding of neurodegenerative disease processes, particularly those that occur at a molecular level. That makes it very difficult to develop effective drugs to treat disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Medical device sales growth beat out that for pharmaceuticals in the latest quarter from Johnson & Johnson. That comes scarcely a year and a half after the conglomerate announced a restructuring of its devices business in the face of non-existent growth. Key to the boost has been acquisitions, which drove much of this quarter's gains.

Medical device sales growth beat out that for pharmaceuticals in the latest quarter from Johnson & Johnson. That comes scarcely a year and a half after the conglomerate announced a restructuring of its devices business in the face of non-existent growth. Key to the boost has been acquisitions, which drove much of this quarter's gains.