Medical researchers at the Pentagon have been working to develop what is, in essence, a microchip capable of detecting a COVID-19 infection when inserted under the skin. While it might sound like science fiction—or akin to the unfounded conspiracy theory that the COVID-19 vaccines currently in circulation are laced with microchips—the technological development is entirely true.

The «subdermal implant,» as scientists are calling it, is now in the late-stage testing phase and was developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, a top-secret Pentagon unit established during the Cold War to study emergent technologies for military use, 60 Minutes reported

Among some of the current projects that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is developing: a health-monitoring subdermal implant. It’s not a government tracking microchip, but rather a tissue-like gel engineered to continuously test your blood. https://t.co/1UDs9dBNcE pic.twitter.com/Zfph8xQUKC

— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) April 11, 2021