Researchers have succeeded in directing floating objects around an aquatic obstacle course using only soundwaves. Their novel, optics-inspired method holds great promise for biomedical ...

But instead of the Force, the rats had to harness their spatial neurons to guide the object through the virtual reality. The researchers found that their rodent subjects were adept at both tasks.

Using light or sound waves, they can lift and control the motion of a small object, like a tiny tractor beam. These are exciting developments, but have very stringent requirements to work.