The brain is still considered the best performing computation device known so far. It exhibits astonishing properties including highly complex and hierarchic organization, input integration, parallel computation, emergent properties, functional and structural adaptation (plasticity). The latter phenomenon is believed to be the basis of higher brain functions and, at the same time, to be precociously impaired in brain diseases.
The focus of the NBT research is the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, from individual synapses to synaptic circuits up to brain diseases and to interfacing brain with chips. The strength of a connection between two neurons can be either enhanced or depressed and these changes span a wide range of time windows from milliseconds to years. These mechanisms are believed to be the basis of the modifications in information flow and processing induced by epigenetic factors and eventually lead to learning and memory.
In addition, the central nervous system is the new "scientific paradigm" for information  technologies and the concept of "embodied brain" inspires humanoid robots. This has greatly stimulated the attempts to create bio-hybrid/biomimetic devices in which brain tissue is interfaced with electronic chips and to embody neuronal networks by bidirectionally connecting them to robotic bodies.