Beyond correlation - closing the loop between brain and theory by extracting representations and altered feedbacks

Computational neuroscience research, or more in general, system neuroscience research, is much more difficult than molecular research although it is essential to understanding brain mechanisms. The abstract description of the new paradigm is as follows. Suppose one has a computational theory, which postulates that some brain networks solve some computational problems and a specific brain locus contains a specific computational representation. Then one needs to extract this information either by some noninvasive method or unit recording, and manipulate this by altered computational algorithms derived from the theory. The altered or processed information is fed back to the brain by appropriate methods (e.g. visual or tactile feedbacks, TMS, electrical stimulation). Observed brain activity and behavior are now guaranteed causally linked. The author explains the background of this new paradigm and several possible applications.