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Interesting story, but where is the evidence?

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Thanks. Which evidence are you referring to? Have you read the entire PDF?

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Yes i did, that's why I'm asking. You state "This paper presents a coherent evolutionary argument grounded in evidence that emotions are closely intertwined regulatory mechanisms that evolved through interactions between the immune, nervous and endocrine systems to promote optimal survival and reproduction in varying contexts. "

But while reading the document I couldn't find any solid evidence or reference to any scientific research that supports your thesis. It almost looks like a copy/paste text from ChatGPT or some other AI speech model. It's a shame and i was kind of disappointed while I was reading it, as Emotions in particular are a subject I'm very keen on. I was hoping to find some breakthrough research on the topic on your paper, but I guess it's just the result of a suggested prompt.

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Feb 22·edited Feb 23Author

Well I guess it depends on what your expectations were. You only get disappointed if you were expecting to see evidence to fulfill whatever your own expectations were. However, given that this is a novel and original hypothesis, and beyond extensively explaining my reasoning, how would it even be possible to show previously available evidence for it? I can't provide what does not yet exist, can I? Anyway, if you need further explanation or have any specific questions about my theory, I'm happy to try clarifying them the best of my abilities. What is it specifically that is unclear to you in this theory?

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Im sorry for the late response. My expectations are directly linked to the presentation of your work, as you promised an evidence based thesis. Instead you should call it a cool idea, its much more appropriate.

Nothing is unclear to me, but I was surprised by the topic and the content, like I said I like the subject a lot. But my own personal research points it to another direction, into something as simple as a nostril. Ill try to put it in simple terms. As you probably know, in the annals of evolutionary biology and neurophysiology the enigma of human emotions finds its roots in a complex interplay of biochemical processes, neural networks, and the evolutionary imperative for survival. At the heart of this intricate web lies a surprising and fundamental connection to the respiratory system, specifically the act of breathing through the nostrils. Throughout the evolutionary journey, the emergence of complex organisms coincided with the development of specialized respiratory structures. In the case of humans, the evolution of nostrils and the respiratory system not only facilitated the intake of essential oxygen for metabolic processes but also inadvertently became a conduit for atmospheric chemical cues. Early organisms developed chemoreceptors capable of detecting and responding to specific airborne molecules. Over time, this system became more refined, culminating in the intricate neural networks of the human olfactory system. As humans evolved, the olfactory system retained its sensitivity to a wide array of chemical stimuli, including those associated with emotional states. Many recent studies have elucidated the role of the olfactory bulb and limbic system in processing emotional information. Chemosignals emitted by individuals during different emotional states are detected by the olfactory receptors and transmitted to the limbic system, the brain region intricately involved in emotional processing. This connection between emotional stimuli and respiratory input has profound implications for the regulation of emotional experiences. The act of breathing, particularly through the nostrils, serves as a constant influx of information that modulates emotional responses. Inhalation of air imbued with chemosignals associated with joy, fear, or other emotions triggers corresponding neural responses, influencing subjective emotional experiences. So, the bidirectional nature of this relationship is apparent as emotional states can, in turn, modulate respiratory patterns. For instance, the physiological response to fear, characterized by rapid breathing, not only influences oxygen intake but also creates a feedback loop that reinforces the emotional state. In summary the origins of human emotions can be traced to the co-evolution of respiratory systems and the olfactory apparatus. The nostrils, initially designed for efficient gas exchange, inadvertently became conduits for the transmission of chemical signals that play a pivotal role in the regulation and expression of emotions. And what I find amazing in this scientific narrative, is that the breath that sustains life is also the carrier of the nuanced symphony of human emotions, an intricate dance choreographed by the evolutionary processes that shaped our existence.

I never hear or read anything before about a correlation between human emotions and the immune system, and that's why your text caught my eye. I hope this helps your research somehow. Regards.

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Mar 10·edited Mar 10Author

Thanks. In fact olfactory receptors are one pathway triggering emotional response, as they are in close communication with the amygdala, mere one synapse away. However they not the only one triggering emotions, as there exists a multitude of other sensing mechanisms in extra-and intracellular environment that trigger emotions. For example, olfactory receptors are not involved in sensing and responding signaling from the gut, as hunger is an emotion triggered by internal sensory cues. Similarily, emotions triggered by damage to skin/muscle/tissue (i.e pain) do not involve olfactory receptors. In contrast, immune system covers the whole organism, immunoception happens in whole body, PAMPs and DAMPs circulate in both extra-and intracellular environment, PRRs are expressed in immune cells throughout the morphospace.

This is a novel hypothesis for which I may only provide theoretical evidence. As a novel theory, there can not exist any previous evidence for it. However, there is ample evidence in literature about immune system and emotions, if you are interested in digging deeper into these mechanisms. For example Sapolsky's "Behave" includes pretty cool takes on emotions from neurobiological standpoint. Here's a free version: https://www.academia.edu/97676284/Behave_The_Biology_of_Humans_at_Our_Best_and_Worst_Robert_M_Sapolsky

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