Wondering why protein fills you up faster?

As a former (and possibly future) Atkins Dieter, one of the things I have noticed is that the "more protein, less carbs" eating plan results in my getting full faster and feeling more satisfied. Now, it appears a study has shown the mechanism by which this works and it may indicate that high-protein diets (with veggies) may be a healthy and natural alternative to Weight Watchers and other more extreme diets.

A study of protein-munching rats shows that a low-carb diet sparks a chain of biological events that ultimately curbs hunger.
The French researchers explain it this way: Protein, the staple of such weight-loss regimens, appears to increase glucose production in the small intestine -- the rise of which is monitored by the liver and then registered by the brain. In turn, the brain sends out an "all full" message, cutting back on the drive to eat more.
"The current findings provide an answer to the question of how protein-enriched meals decrease hunger and reduce eating..."

This may well give rise to another trend toward Atkins-style dieting... or may just prove right the old adage that nuts are a better way to stave off hunger than breadsticks or snack cakes.