On the train I racked my brain trying to work out why the card had been declined.

BBC: How hardware hacking (almost) made me a fraudster

In my book "Rainy Brain, Sunny Brain, " I discuss how genes and environments work together to influence how emotional circuits develop.

CNN: Make your 'rainy brain' sunnier

While a deeper understanding of neuro-plasticity is extremely relevant for people who have suffered from a stroke or other traumatic brain injury, what has piqued my interest most is its application for those of us whose brains already work perfectly well.

FORBES: How You Can Outsmart Your Brain In Work, Love & Life