The study of biological mechanisms, while crucial, cannot fully explain complex phenomena like the instinct to eat. The mind–body connection, as exemplified by the concept of “voodoo death,” highlights the profound influence of belief and cultural context on physiology. Indigenous knowledge systems further emphasize the interconnectedness of humans with their environment. Recent discoveries in gut–brain communication reveal the intricate neural circuits that drive our visceral desires, but a holistic approach that integrates both physiological mechanisms and the subjective experience of life, informed by diverse cultural perspectives, will be essential to truly understand what it means to be alive.

中文翻译：

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破译本能：揭示从分子到大脑的食物选择的科学探索


对生物机制的研究虽然至关重要，但无法完全解释像进食本能这样的复杂现象。以“巫毒之死”的概念为例，身心联系突出了信仰和文化背景对生理学的深远影响。土著知识体系进一步强调人类与环境的相互联系。肠脑交流的最新发现揭示了驱动我们本能欲望的错综复杂的神经回路，但结合生理机制和生活主观体验的整体方法，以不同的文化观点为依据，对于真正理解活着的意义至关重要。