And they're coming from more different companies than ever before--Medtronic is working on a device that could serve as an artificial pancreas for treating diabetes, but so is drug giant Roche (otc: RHHBY - news - people ).

FORBES: Magazine Article

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation who funded the research believe an artificial pancreas would be a major step forward because people will not have to constantly think about their decision.

BBC: 'The pump has been really liberating'

Karen Addington, chief executive of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, who funded the research said the study provided "proof of principle" of an artificial pancreas.

BBC: Artificial pancreas hope for children with diabetes