The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), which is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, issued a research challenge in March 2015 for the creation of a noninvasive, wearable alcohol biosensor. The expectation is that such a device would be useful to researchers who typically have to rely upon self-reported alcohol consumption data--as well as to make consumer wearables that monitor alcohol consumption commonplace.

Engineers at the University of California, San Diego, have staked a claim to being the first to create a wearable that can simultaneously monitor biochemical and electrical bodily signals. Their Chem-Phys patch simultaneously records both electrocardiograms (EKGs) and lactate, which is a biochemical marker that's a measure of physical effort.

Edwards Lifesciences' CardiAQ Valve Technologies scored a victory in a courtroom battle with a rival and former service provider that allegedly stole the company's trade secrets to develop its transcatheter mitral valves.

Royal Philips, like many major medical device and imaging players, is looking to secure sizable long-term deals with hospitals. The idea is not only to secure future Philips revenues but also to cement a partnership that could result in more fruitful efforts at value-based healthcare, thereby meeting one of the most profound hospital needs.

Urine tests are a staple at the doctor's office, but take time, cost money and can pile up quickly. Good news: Stanford University engineers are working on a low-cost, portable version of the test to ease the burden on doctors and clinics.