Harnessing neural variability: implications for brain research and non-invasive brain stimulation

Neural variability, traditionally viewed as a barrier to consistent outcomes across all areas of neuroscience, is increasingly recognized as a critical element of brain function. This manuscript explores the idea that neural variability and neural noise, rather than being detrimental, is essential for enhancing adaptability and robustness in neural systems. By capturing this variability through indices that accurately represent an individual neural state through detailed brain activity recordings and advanced analytical techniques, brain research and more specifically non-invasive brain stimulation protocols can be optimized for individual brain states, thereby improving outcomes. The manuscript emphasizes the importance of capturing individual neural variability for developing more precise and effective neurostimulation/neuromodulation protocols. It also explores the roles of neural variability and noise in relation to excitability, plasticity, and homeostatic regulation, proposing a framework change for understanding NIBS effects on brain function and behaviour. This approach signifies a shift from minimizing neural variability to leveraging it strategically, offering new insights for research and clinical applications.