Would you take a contraceptive via a computer chip implanted under your skin? What if I told you hormone injections are controlled by remote control, and can last up to 16 years?
If the prospect seems like far-off science fiction, think again. This birth control technology may be available as early as 2018.
According to an article in the BBC, the chip originated in Massachusetts and has the backing of Bill Gates, no less.
The chip, which is currently being submitted to pre-clinical testing, may be available at a competitive price in a few years.
The implanted chip releases a low dose of levonorgestrel via a wireless remote control. The beauty (and potential snag)—the chip could be deactivated at the push of a button, which is great news for women wanting to start a family.
Bad news for those at all worried about hacking. Developers claim the chip is blessed with secure encryption, which means "someone across the room cannot re-programme your implant."
The microchip, friends, is the future of pharmaceuticals.
Cool or creepy?
Well, let's hope the chip proves safer than this.
Printer-friendly version