Scientific explanation of travel addiction

If you are passionate about and exploring the world, it is not simply a hobby, but there is a deep root of biology.

Studies show a link between the excess of dopamine in the brain and the tendency to engage in impulsive and dangerous behaviors.

Excess dopamine is also involved in a variant of the DRD4 gene , which encodes a dopamine receptor called 7R + allele. This genetic modification is associated with behaviors such as gambling and addiction, and is softer than the desire to travel.

DRD4 gene affects travel passion.(Photo: Getty).

Justin Garcia, an evolutionary biologist at Indiana University, said the DRD4 gene and the dopamine excess make prehistoric humans leave home to explore new lands in the hope of finding food, partner and shelter. Although these survival needs are no longer the same, genetic modification has become a tourist passion like today.

In addition, the combination of nature and nurturing is the answer to most scientific issues. Garcia said that DRD4 gene explains why some people find it interesting, and others are afraid.

Koji Lum, an anthropologist at Binghamton University (New York, USA) explains: " DRD4 is just a gene, so it has a small effect on complex behavior. However, these small differences accumulate. again.

To a certain extent, assessing the level of risk is an algorithm that takes place in each person's head. Different gene variants mean that algorithms take place at different levels. This determines whether they accept the risk or not. Over time, a small difference in algorithms leads to very different lives ".

So, if people consider you a "crazy" person to explore the world, believe that it has a biological basis.