Scientists at a Chinese robotic engineering institute remotely controlled a flying pigeon. First they implanted tiny electrodes in its brain. By activating the electrodes from a computer, they "forced the bird to comply with their commands," flying right, left, up, or down. According to Chinese government-controlled media, they're refining the technology in the hope that it "can be put into practical use." Scientists' fantasy: remote-controlled animals. Government fantasy: remote-controlled scientists.

(For Human Nature's take on remote-controlled aerial drones in espionage and warfare, click here. For remote control of rats, click here and here.)