Yuan Kun Lee

Since the publication of the first edition in 1999, the science of probiotics and prebiotics has matured greatly and garnered more interest. The first handbook on the market, Handbook of Probiotics and Prebiotics: Second Edition updates the data in its predecessor, and it also includes material topics not previously discussed in the first edition, including methods protocols, cell line and animal models, and coverage of prebiotics. The editors supplement their expertise by bringing in international experts to contribute chapters. This second edition brings together the information needed for the successful development of a pro- or prebiotic product from laboratory to market.

Our genome is littered with scraps of DNA, termed “junk” DNAs, that serve no apparent purpose. Junk DNAs make up as much as 98.5% of our genome. Scientists believe that some junk DNAs came into existence millions of years ago, when viruses inserted their DNA into that of the human host. There is emerging evidence that suggests that these bits of microbial DNAs may alter our functional genes, impacting our body physiology and behavior. We have been invaded by “body snatchers” and they are part of us! We could postulate that we are carrying a large number of DNAs that serve only the DNAs, and we are just a small part of the big picture! There is ample scientific evidence to suggest that, even today, free-living microbes are still manipulating our behaviour and our life at large. They are thriving on our wet skin, in our mouth, and in our intestinal and vaginal tracts. We are perhaps not quite what we think we are. This thought-provoking and inspiring book offers many answers, while at the same time raising many questions for future research.