Connecting the dots, light and dark blue

Every February I permit myself a bit of nostalgia when in the middle of the month the annual varsity blind tasting match between Oxford and Cambridge takes place. I am a proud alumnus of this competition, the benefits of which have proved varied and profound. For one thing, it is a great outlet for the student who, like me, has a strong competitive streak but abhors sport. To be able to represent one’s university, without suffering the cold outdoors or having to display hand-eye coordination, is a humbling privilege.

It also provided me with first-hand experience of neural plasticity. I...