Structural-functional brain network coupling during cognitive demand reveals intelligence-relevant communication strategies

Commun Biol. 2025 Jun 4;8(1):855. doi: 10.1038/s42003-025-08231-4.

Abstract

Intelligence is a broad mental capability influencing human performance across tasks. Individual differences in intelligence have been linked to characteristics of structural and functional brain networks. Here, we consider their alignment, the structural-functional brain network coupling (SC-FC coupling) during resting state and during active cognition, to predict general intelligence. Using diffusion-weighted and functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 764 participants of the Human Connectome Project (replication: N1 = 126, N2 = 180), we model SC-FC coupling with similarity and communication measures that capture functional interactions unfolding on top of structural brain networks. By accounting for variations in brain region-specific neural signaling strategies, we show that individual differences in SC-FC coupling patterns predict individual intelligence scores. Most robust predictions result from cognitively demanding tasks and task combinations. Our study suggests the existence of an intrinsic SC-FC coupling organization enabling fine-drawn intelligence-relevant adaptations that support efficient information processing by facilitating brain region-specific adjustment to external task demands.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain* / anatomy & histology
  • Brain* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain* / physiology
  • Cognition* / physiology
  • Communication
  • Connectome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence* / physiology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nerve Net* / physiology
  • Young Adult