Revealing the role played by gut microbiota in human health
In conjuction with continued support as a Wallenberg Scholar, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation made a reportage on Fredrik Bäckhed and his research. Fredrik has made a number of well-reported discoveries about the role played by the gut microbiota in human health. The next big step will be focusing on understanding – and demonstrating – how the complicated ecosystem in our intestines works. This knowledge may provide the key to curing diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
"I truly believe we can gain new insights into improving human health with the help of gut microbiota. We need to understand the ecosystem and functions of gut microbiota in a healthy system and in a less healthy one. What drives the changes that interact with various diseases? When we know this, we will know when a system risks collapsing, what we can do about it, and how we can recreate a healthy ecosystem in the intestines again, Fredrik explains."