Recent developments suggest that brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) may offer a new, more refined pathway to explore causality in neural systems. Rather than merely applying external signals to the brain and observing outcomes, BCIs leverage the person’s own volitional control to manipulate neural activity, opening up unprecedented experimental possibilities grounded in naturalistic neural regulation.
Understanding how brain–computer interfaces enable causal investigation in neuroscience
Traditional perturbation techniques,like direct electrical stimulation,are akin to turning a switch on or off, often disregarding the intricate biophysical and network-level constraints that shape neural activity. While these methods can produce observable effects, they sometimes lack the subtlety required to dissect the causal roles of specific neural populations or activity patterns.
In contrast, BCIs harness the brain’s inherent capacity for volitional control. By providing real-time feedback, BCIs empower individuals to modulate their neural activity consciously. This process effectively transforms the user into a self-perturbation device, allowing for targeted, adjustable, and behaviorally relevant manipulation of neural circuits.
This approach has the advantage of respecting the brain’s intrinsic properties, such as biophysical limits and network connectivity, making the perturbations more naturalistic. It enables researchers to configure neural population activity in specific ways and observe the subsequent effects with high precision. This method aligns well with the goal of establishing causal links,by controlling *how* and *what* neural activity is modulated, scientists can determine how particular patterns influence cognition, perception, or motor function.
Advantages and limitations of using BCIs for causal neuroscience research
The promise of BCI-based perturbations is significant. Unlike external stimulation, which often imposes signals that bypass the brain’s native processing, BCIs facilitate voluntary modulation, allowing for contextual and task-specific neural control. This flexibility makes it possible to explore questions that were previously inaccessible,such as how specific neural configurations contribute to decision-making or emotional regulation.
Furthermore, BCIs can be tailored to individual neural architectures, increasing the accuracy of perturbations. They can also be used repeatedly within the same individual, offering consistency in experimental conditions,a crucial aspect for scientific rigor.
However, this approach is not without challenges. Volitional control of neural activity requires training and may vary across individuals, potentially complicating cross-participant comparisons. Also, the extent of control achievable may be limited by the individual’s skill or the BCI’s design. Additionally, because the manipulation is mediated by voluntary effort, it may introduce confounding variables related to motivation or attention.
Despite these limitations, the capacity of BCIs to manipulate neural activity in a controlled yet naturalistic manner makes them a powerful tool to expand the scope of neuroscience research. They allow scientists to ask not only what the brain *does* but *how* specific neural configurations causally influence mental states and behaviors.
Expanding the horizons of brain function inquiry with BCIs
The integration of brain–computer interfaces into experimental paradigms is poised to revolutionize our understanding of neural causality. By enabling precise, flexible, and contextually relevant perturbations, BCIs serve as a bridge between correlational observations and definitive causal inferences.
As the technology advances, we can expect to explore questions regarding the neural basis of consciousness, the mechanisms of neuroplasticity, and potential pathways for targeted neurorehabilitation. BCIs do not merely open new experimental avenues,they redefine what it means to understand the brain’s causal architecture in a way that respects its biological complexity.
This shift from externally imposed signals to internally driven neural modulation marks a pivotal evolution in neuroscience. It underscores a move toward more naturalistic, individualized, and scientifically rigorous methods to probe the neural substrates of human potential.
Learn More: Brain–computer interfaces as a causal probe for scientific inquiry
Abstract: Establishing causal relationships between neural activity and brain function requires experimental perturbations of neural activity. Many existing perturbation methods modify activity by directly applying external signals to the brain. We review an alternative approach where brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) leverage volitional control of neural activity to manipulate and causally perturb it. We highlight the potential of BCIs to manipulate neural activity in ways that are flexible, accurate, and adhere to intrinsic biophysical and network-level constraints to investigate the consequences of configuring neural population activity in specified ways. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using BCIs as a perturbation tool compared with other perturbation methods and how BCIs can expand the scope of questions that can be addressed about brain function.
Link: https://www.cell.com/trends/cognitive-sciences/fulltext/S1364-6613(25)00180-9?rss=yes
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.
