Invisible helpers: How probiotic bacteria protect against inflammatory bowel diseases

Yoghurt has been valued for centuries for its health-promoting effects. These effects are thought to be mediated by the lactic acid bacteria typically contained in yoghurt. Evidence from recent scientific studies show that some bacterial strains actually have a probiotic effect and can thus prevent disease. A team of biologists and nutrition scientists working with Prof. Dirk Haller from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) has now discovered the mechanisms at work behind this protective effect (Cell Host & Microbe).

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/04/27/invisible_helpers_how_probiotic_bacteria_protect_against_inflammatory_bowel_diseases.html