these are baby steps by our modern science to eventually come to the same conclusion that eastern traditions (Indian et al) have been maintaining since antiquity that the physical body is separate from the conscious [0], and the former is just a vehicle for a bound consciousness that actually goes through evolution (Vedas state that there are 8.4 milions kinds of species that a soul takes birth into), before finally becoming a human.
The birth as human is considered special for the consciousness because it signifies evolution of intellect/wisdom sheath wich in simple terms means that bound consciousness has attained free will. It can now evolve further and can even become free from bondage that is, repeated cycles of birth&death by following one of systematic, proven paths to attain self-realization.
>>> An activated fourth sheath is what distinguishes human beings from animals. Only humans have the ability to direct their own lives, free from the promptings
of instinct, and to make moral choices. The sages considered the development of a healthy vijnanamaya kosha so important that they placed the exercises
for it at the very beginning of the yoga system. These are the yamas and niyamas, commitments every yoga student is asked to make: not to harm, lie, steal,
overindulge, or desire more than you actually need; instead you are asked to be content, pure, self-disciplined, studious, and devoted.
0: https://yogainternational.com/article/view/the-koshas-5-laye...
1: http://www.swamij.com/koshas.htm
>>> An activated fourth sheath is what distinguishes human beings from animals. Only humans have the ability to direct their own lives, free from the promptings of instinct, and to make moral choices. The sages considered the development of a healthy vijnanamaya kosha so important that they placed the exercises for it at the very beginning of the yoga system. These are the yamas and niyamas, commitments every yoga student is asked to make: not to harm, lie, steal, overindulge, or desire more than you actually need; instead you are asked to be content, pure, self-disciplined, studious, and devoted.
0: https://yogainternational.com/article/view/the-koshas-5-laye... 1: http://www.swamij.com/koshas.htm