DRD4-7R: The Wanderlust Gene

If you’re the kind of person that feels compelled to travel, bound to an uncontrollable urge that flows through you, motivating you to drop everything and explore the world.. Chances are that desire is actually embedded in your genetic code with the wanderlust* gene. DRD4, a gene that encodes the dopamine receptor D4, is associated with impulsively seeking happiness levels in your brain. The gene responsible for this behaviour can also be linked to an urge to travel and a variant of the gene, DRD4-7R, is nicknamed the “wanderlust gene” associated with curiosity and restlessness. The wanderlust gene is also linked to longevity, since the individual will more typically engage in social and physical activities, and thus have a healthier lifestyle. UCI Mind’s 90+ Study found that those who did not have the DRD4-7R gene had a 7-to-9.7 per cent decrease in lifespan. This suggests that a lifestyle rich with experience, risk and adventure is a healthy and wholesome one. Editing : totravelistolive.co Footage Used From : THE DARJEELING LIMITED – WES ANDERSON // THE KLARALVEN RIVER – STUDIOCANOE // ISOLATION – UNFAZED // WE WERE NEVER BORN – SERGI CASTELLA // AMOUR TOUJOURS – LUCAZ HAUCHARD // AERIALS : PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY – STUDIO GO // GUNTHER HOLTORF INTERVIEW – RUBTLY TV // FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES – KORDUROY TV // THE REEL STORY – CAMP4 COLLECTIVE Music : The Kinks – This Time Tomorrow (Cover By Amir Darzi) . . . * wanderlust : described as a strong desire to travel: a man/woman consumed by wanderlust (Oxford English Dictionaries, 2013)