Advances in neuroimaging, genetic, and stimulation methods for cognitive and behavioral function investigation

Cognitive function, behavior, and their links to health outcomes are at the forefront of modern neuroscience research. Recent years have seen significant advances not only in brain imaging and stimulation techniques, but also in the use of computational, genetic, and statistical methodologies to unravel the neural and biological mechanisms underlying these complex processes. Understanding how brain-related behaviors, such as food preference and decision making, influence both cognitive performance and disease risk has become increasingly important, particularly as large-scale datasets and new analytical tools open up fresh opportunities for discovery. These integrative approaches are providing new pathways to explore causal relationships between cognition, behavior, the brain, and major health conditions, preparing the ground for advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The goal of this Research Topic is to showcase innovative experimental and analytical methods that advance our understanding of the mechanisms behind cognitive and behavioral functions, and their relationships with health and disease. We aim to address key challenges, such as identifying the biological and psychological pathways by which brain-related traits influence clinical outcomes, and translating new methodological advances into practical neuroscientific and clinical applications. By bringing together contributions from fields including brain imaging, brain stimulation, genetics, and causal inference (e.g., Mendelian randomization), we hope to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. As the complexity of brain-behavior-health relationships becomes clearer, the need for robust, reproducible, and interpretable methodologies is greater than ever. Authors are encouraged to share novel or significantly improved techniques, perspectives on methodological limitations and future trends, and work that applies these tools to address pressing questions in cognitive neuroscience, behavioral science, and human disease.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions that focus on innovative methods and protocols for investigating cognitive and behavioral functioning, their neural basis, and implications for health. Authors are encouraged to address, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Brain imaging and stimulation techniques for cognitive and behavioral assessment

• Genetic and statistical approaches (including Mendelian randomization and GWAS) for elucidating causal relationships

• Novel computational tools or analytical frameworks in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience

• Methodological advances in linking brain, behavior, and health outcomes (e.g., cancer, psychiatric disorders)

• Reviews or commentaries on emerging trends or gaps in interdisciplinary methodology

• Protocols detailing practical, reproducible steps for new or established techniques

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