Researchers are using computer simulations of whole animals—complete with virtual bodies and neural networks—to uncover how the brain, body, and environment together produce behavior. A new review from scientists at EPFL in Switzerland shows how these 'neuromechanical models' let researchers measure what they cannot in real animals, and generate predictions that can be tested in the lab.
The Research
The paper, authored by Sibo Wang-Chen and Pavan Ramdya and published in Current Opinion in Neurobiology (2026), is available on arXiv. It reviews advances in biorealistic neuromechanical models, which place artificial neural controllers inside detailed body models that interact with simulated environments. Unlike simpler models, these incorporate realistic biomechanics and sensory feedback, allowing the study of behaviors such as walking, flying, and foraging in silico.
The authors explain that these models can infer biophysical variables that are extremely difficult to measure experimentally—like the firing rates of every neuron or the forces on individual muscles. By systematically perturbing the model (e.g., tweaking neural parameters or altering body physics), researchers can generate falsifiable hypotheses. For example, one can test how a specific neural circuit change affects locomotion, and then see if the same change in a real animal produces a matching behavior.
The review also highlights the synergy between neuroscience, robotics, and machine learning. These models can be used to design more agile robots or to improve brain-computer interfaces. In healthcare, they might help predict the outcomes of neurological interventions, such as deep brain stimulation, before applying them to patients.
Although the review does not report new experimental data, it synthesizes findings from multiple studies that used such models to uncover principles of sensorimotor control.
Why It Matters to You
You might wonder: what does a fruit fly with a virtual brain have to do with your cognition? The answer lies in the principle of embodiment—the idea that thinking is deeply tied to having a body and acting in the world. Understanding how brain, body, and environment interact in simple animals can illuminate how your own brain coordinates movement, learns new skills, and adapts to changing conditions. This research could eventually lead to better rehabilitation robots, smarter prosthetics, and treatments for movement disorders.
What You Can Do
You don't need a simulation lab to benefit. Engage your own brain-body loop: try learning a new physical skill like dancing or juggling, or challenge your coordination with sports. These activities force your brain to simulate and refine motor commands—just like neuromechanical models do—and can enhance cognitive flexibility.
Source: arXiv q-bio.NC
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