Peer-reviewedCC BYBrain Structure and Function
Neurovariability as a signature of adaptive brain function
Abstract
Neurovariability refers to the naturally occurring differences in brain structure and functional organisation across individuals. Rather than being noise, this variability reflects an adaptive feature of human neurobiology, supporting diversity, flexibility, learning, and resilience across evolution and lifespan. Here, we summarise the anatomical, functional, and evolutionary foundations of neurovariability, its relevance to health and disease, and the current limitations of methods for quantifying it. By understanding neurovariability as an emergent property of complex systems, we highlight its importance in advancing personalised neuroscience.
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BibTeX
@article{forkel2026neurovariability,
title = {{Neurovariability as a signature of adaptive brain function}},
author = {Stephanie J. Forkel and Lilit Dulyan and Kurt Schilling and Michel Thiebaut de Schotten},
journal = {Brain Structure and Function},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1007/s00429-026-03138-0},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05852648v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Neurovariability as a signature of adaptive brain function
AU - Stephanie J. Forkel
AU - Lilit Dulyan
AU - Kurt Schilling
AU - Michel Thiebaut de Schotten
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/12
JO - Brain Structure and Function
DO - 10.1007/s00429-026-03138-0
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05852648v1
AB - Neurovariability refers to the naturally occurring differences in brain structure and functional organisation across individuals. Rather than being noise, this variability reflects an adaptive feature of human neurobiology, supporting diversity, flexibility, learning, and resilience across evolution and lifespan. Here, we summarise the anatomical, functional, and evolutionary foundations of neurovariability, its relevance to health and disease, and the current limitations of methods for quantifying it. By understanding neurovariability as an emergent property of complex systems, we highlight its importance in advancing personalised neuroscience.
SN - 1863-2653
SN - 1863-2661
ER -