There are some people who never care to leave their home, or their city. These are the people that are content with playing the safe route by choosing to stay in their comfort zone and never leaving the place they know best. But on the complete opposite side of the grid, there's a beautiful, rare breed of people that roam this earth. The dreamers, explorers, or what most people consider- The Wanderlusters. These are the people that cannot stand being in the same place for too long. No matter how many places they see or how much they travel, it is never enough when there is so much more to see on this earth. These people have an itch for traveling and wanting to be able to say "I lived, I saw it all." These are the wanderers.

But what do I mean when I say the "wanderlust gene"? As crazy as it may sound to the outsiders, there have been many studies that have shown that there is, in fact, a genetic scientific reason why these type of people have such a thrive for adventure, and change. Molecular genetic studies have identified the source which have shown dopamine genes as the initial candidates. Dopamine genes have been known as the initial source for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), but recent studies have shown that this same gene may be the contributor to why some people have a higher increase in exploratory behavior versus others who do not.

Four scientists in 1999 from UC Irvine conducted a study where they tracked the migration patterns and gene distribution through pre-historic populations. They published a paper with the title “Population Migration and the Variation of Dopamine D4 Receptor (DRD4) Allele Frequencies Around the Globe” where they found the correlation through the Dopamine D4 Receptor (DRD4), which they stated:

"...long alleles of the DRD4 gene have been linked to novelty-seeking personality, hyperactivity, and risk-taking behaviors … It can be argued reasonably that exploratory behaviors are adaptive in migratory societies…usually harsh, frequently changing, and always providing a multitude of novel stimuli and ongoing challenges to survival”

Studies show thatDRD4 in humans is linked to novelty seeking, hyperactivity, and risk taking behaviors. Some studies have been conducted in animal populations which have shown the similar consistent findings in patterns such as: increase in exploratory behavior, and also an increase in locomotion and speed.

Do you have the wanderlust gene?

If so, next time you have a craving for wandering; don't forget to hashtag #DRD4.

https://twitter.com/hashtag/drd4