The WWII experiment to make pigeon-guided missiles

During WWII, psychologist B F Skinner tried to use pigeons to guide missiles towards enemy ships. His study proved it was possible, and it was finally recognised at the 2024 Ig Nobel Prize awards.

But how did the 'crackpot idea' even come about? We spoke to Skinner's daughter, Julie Vargas, to learn more about the history of the study 'Pigeons in a Pelican'.

Video by Darryl Laiu