Brain–computer interfaces as a causal probe for scientific inquiry

Asma Motiwala, Joana Soldado-Magraner, Aaron Paul Batista, Matthew A. Smith, Byron M. Yu

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.