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Neurovariability as a signature of adaptive brain function
Stephanie J Forkel1,2,3,4, Lilit Dulyan5,6, Kurt Schilling7
1Donders Institute for Brain Cognition Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. stephanie.forkel@gmail.com.
Brain Structure & Function
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Neurovariability, or natural brain differences, is an adaptive human trait supporting flexibility and resilience. Understanding these brain variations is key to advancing personalized neuroscience and healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Neurovariability encompasses natural differences in individual brain structure and function.
- This variability is increasingly recognized not as noise, but as a crucial adaptive feature.
- It underpins diversity, learning, flexibility, and resilience throughout the lifespan and across evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the anatomical, functional, and evolutionary basis of neurovariability.
- To discuss the significance of neurovariability in both health and disease.
- To identify current limitations in methods for quantifying neurovariability.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neurovariability.
- Synthesis of anatomical and functional brain data.
- Evolutionary perspective on neurobiological diversity.
Main Results:
- Neurovariability is rooted in anatomical and functional brain organization.
- It plays a vital role in adaptation, learning, and resilience.
- Current quantification methods have notable limitations.
Conclusions:
- Neurovariability is an emergent property of complex biological systems.
- Recognizing neurovariability is essential for personalized neuroscience.
- Further research is needed to refine quantification methods and clinical applications.
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