ME/CFS Science
@mecfsskeptic.bsky.social
In-depth analysis of research on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Formerly known as ME/CFS Skeptic.
https://mecfsscience.org/
https://mecfsscience.org/
1) From an new abstract:
"We hypothesize that by conducting a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with stool from ME/CFS cases into mice that are engrafted with a functional human immune system, we can develop an animal model that will replicate ME/CFS-associated pathology."
"We hypothesize that by conducting a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with stool from ME/CFS cases into mice that are engrafted with a functional human immune system, we can develop an animal model that will replicate ME/CFS-associated pathology."
November 28, 2025 at 9:01 AM
1) From an new abstract:
"We hypothesize that by conducting a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with stool from ME/CFS cases into mice that are engrafted with a functional human immune system, we can develop an animal model that will replicate ME/CFS-associated pathology."
"We hypothesize that by conducting a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with stool from ME/CFS cases into mice that are engrafted with a functional human immune system, we can develop an animal model that will replicate ME/CFS-associated pathology."
1) Dr. Michael Peluso will lead a big ME/CFS project called CHIME.
The infrastructure first built for HIV, then used for Long Covid in the LIINC study, will now also help with studying pre-pandemic ME/CFS
The research will focus on gut biopsies and PET-CT scans.
The infrastructure first built for HIV, then used for Long Covid in the LIINC study, will now also help with studying pre-pandemic ME/CFS
The research will focus on gut biopsies and PET-CT scans.
November 27, 2025 at 9:37 AM
1) Dr. Michael Peluso will lead a big ME/CFS project called CHIME.
The infrastructure first built for HIV, then used for Long Covid in the LIINC study, will now also help with studying pre-pandemic ME/CFS
The research will focus on gut biopsies and PET-CT scans.
The infrastructure first built for HIV, then used for Long Covid in the LIINC study, will now also help with studying pre-pandemic ME/CFS
The research will focus on gut biopsies and PET-CT scans.
1) In this new @OpenMedF video, Dr. Chris Armstrong explains his main hypothesis of ME/CFS.
He suspects there is an inefficiency in producing ATP (energy), but this isn’t only about mitochondria (the engines), but also about the fuel they get...
He suspects there is an inefficiency in producing ATP (energy), but this isn’t only about mitochondria (the engines), but also about the fuel they get...
November 26, 2025 at 9:33 AM
1) In this new @OpenMedF video, Dr. Chris Armstrong explains his main hypothesis of ME/CFS.
He suspects there is an inefficiency in producing ATP (energy), but this isn’t only about mitochondria (the engines), but also about the fuel they get...
He suspects there is an inefficiency in producing ATP (energy), but this isn’t only about mitochondria (the engines), but also about the fuel they get...
3) The researchers also confirmed historical findings of strongly increased skin mast cell density in the skin of fibromyalgia patients compared to controls.
November 25, 2025 at 11:05 AM
3) The researchers also confirmed historical findings of strongly increased skin mast cell density in the skin of fibromyalgia patients compared to controls.
2) The antibodies of fibromyalgia patients bind more strongly to mast cells than antibodies of healthy controls or patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
November 25, 2025 at 11:05 AM
2) The antibodies of fibromyalgia patients bind more strongly to mast cells than antibodies of healthy controls or patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
1) The British group that started transfer experiments of fibromyalgia antibodies into mice now reports that this is probably mediated by mast cells.
November 25, 2025 at 11:05 AM
1) The British group that started transfer experiments of fibromyalgia antibodies into mice now reports that this is probably mediated by mast cells.
1) Quite impressive that PolyBio (@polybioRF) has raised $42 million since 2021 with very little overhead.
While we have doubts about their strong focus on viral persistence, their studies on brain scans and tissue samples look very interesting. 🧵
While we have doubts about their strong focus on viral persistence, their studies on brain scans and tissue samples look very interesting. 🧵
November 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
1) Quite impressive that PolyBio (@polybioRF) has raised $42 million since 2021 with very little overhead.
While we have doubts about their strong focus on viral persistence, their studies on brain scans and tissue samples look very interesting. 🧵
While we have doubts about their strong focus on viral persistence, their studies on brain scans and tissue samples look very interesting. 🧵
1) New sociology paper on severe ME/CFS. The authors analyzed 342 messages on Twitter/X to get insights into the daily reality of people with severe ME/CFS.
They highlight the feeling of being trapped by the illness, profound isolation and longing for the outside world.
They highlight the feeling of being trapped by the illness, profound isolation and longing for the outside world.
November 22, 2025 at 8:39 AM
1) New sociology paper on severe ME/CFS. The authors analyzed 342 messages on Twitter/X to get insights into the daily reality of people with severe ME/CFS.
They highlight the feeling of being trapped by the illness, profound isolation and longing for the outside world.
They highlight the feeling of being trapped by the illness, profound isolation and longing for the outside world.
Found this graph from the 2015 IOM report (page 143)
November 21, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Found this graph from the 2015 IOM report (page 143)
7) They used:
- Antibodies from Long Covid patients (red)
- Just the serum of Long Covid patients without antibodies (black)
- Antibodies that were split into two so that they lost their normal function (gray)
Only the first injection caused the same effect in mice.
- Antibodies from Long Covid patients (red)
- Just the serum of Long Covid patients without antibodies (black)
- Antibodies that were split into two so that they lost their normal function (gray)
Only the first injection caused the same effect in mice.
November 21, 2025 at 2:29 PM
7) They used:
- Antibodies from Long Covid patients (red)
- Just the serum of Long Covid patients without antibodies (black)
- Antibodies that were split into two so that they lost their normal function (gray)
Only the first injection caused the same effect in mice.
- Antibodies from Long Covid patients (red)
- Just the serum of Long Covid patients without antibodies (black)
- Antibodies that were split into two so that they lost their normal function (gray)
Only the first injection caused the same effect in mice.
5) The main difference was found for pain due to mechanical pressure in the so-called Von Frey filaments test. Basically, the mice were poked with long wires to see how much they withdrew their paws.
LC antibodies caused a transient decrease in the paw withdrawal threshold.
LC antibodies caused a transient decrease in the paw withdrawal threshold.
November 21, 2025 at 2:29 PM
5) The main difference was found for pain due to mechanical pressure in the so-called Von Frey filaments test. Basically, the mice were poked with long wires to see how much they withdrew their paws.
LC antibodies caused a transient decrease in the paw withdrawal threshold.
LC antibodies caused a transient decrease in the paw withdrawal threshold.
1) 🇧🇪 Another study found that antibodies of long COVID patients induce pain sensitivity in mice.
Antibodies from controls, serum of Long Covid patients, or papain-digested antibodies did not have the same effect.
Antibodies from controls, serum of Long Covid patients, or papain-digested antibodies did not have the same effect.
November 21, 2025 at 2:29 PM
1) 🇧🇪 Another study found that antibodies of long COVID patients induce pain sensitivity in mice.
Antibodies from controls, serum of Long Covid patients, or papain-digested antibodies did not have the same effect.
Antibodies from controls, serum of Long Covid patients, or papain-digested antibodies did not have the same effect.
4) The weighted frequencies showed massive effects in ME/CFS patients, not just for cardiovascular disease, but for example for asthma, diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, etc. as well.
November 19, 2025 at 10:39 AM
4) The weighted frequencies showed massive effects in ME/CFS patients, not just for cardiovascular disease, but for example for asthma, diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, etc. as well.
1) A paper from earlier this year reported that ME/CFS patients have a much bigger risk of cardiovascular disease than controls (adjusted odds ratio of 3.26).
The study used data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), however, which has some big limitations...
The study used data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), however, which has some big limitations...
November 19, 2025 at 10:39 AM
1) A paper from earlier this year reported that ME/CFS patients have a much bigger risk of cardiovascular disease than controls (adjusted odds ratio of 3.26).
The study used data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), however, which has some big limitations...
The study used data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), however, which has some big limitations...
1) INFO FOR RESEARCHERS: The charity ME Research UK (MERUK) has an open call for PhD-level research funding.
Applicants should submit an Outline Proposal Form before Friday, 9 January 2026.
Applicants should submit an Outline Proposal Form before Friday, 9 January 2026.
November 18, 2025 at 2:30 PM
1) INFO FOR RESEARCHERS: The charity ME Research UK (MERUK) has an open call for PhD-level research funding.
Applicants should submit an Outline Proposal Form before Friday, 9 January 2026.
Applicants should submit an Outline Proposal Form before Friday, 9 January 2026.
5) There were also people who gradually decreased over time (profiles E and F in the graph below). The authors mention that this was "driven in part by an increase in the presence of post-exertional malaise ('delayed worsening symptom burden')."
November 18, 2025 at 8:44 AM
5) There were also people who gradually decreased over time (profiles E and F in the graph below). The authors mention that this was "driven in part by an increase in the presence of post-exertional malaise ('delayed worsening symptom burden')."
1) 🇺🇸 The RECOVER study published its data on Long COVID trajectories.
Of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 5% had persistently high Long COVID-related symptom burden. An additional 12% had a high burden that fluctuated but did not improve over time.
Of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 5% had persistently high Long COVID-related symptom burden. An additional 12% had a high burden that fluctuated but did not improve over time.
November 18, 2025 at 8:43 AM
1) 🇺🇸 The RECOVER study published its data on Long COVID trajectories.
Of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 5% had persistently high Long COVID-related symptom burden. An additional 12% had a high burden that fluctuated but did not improve over time.
Of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 5% had persistently high Long COVID-related symptom burden. An additional 12% had a high burden that fluctuated but did not improve over time.
1) Researchers from Stanford University published an important paper linking Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) with the autoimmune disease Lupus.
The first (Dr. Shady Younis) and last author of the paper (Dr. William H. Robinson) have previously been involved in ME/CFS research.
The first (Dr. Shady Younis) and last author of the paper (Dr. William H. Robinson) have previously been involved in ME/CFS research.
November 17, 2025 at 2:02 PM
1) Researchers from Stanford University published an important paper linking Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) with the autoimmune disease Lupus.
The first (Dr. Shady Younis) and last author of the paper (Dr. William H. Robinson) have previously been involved in ME/CFS research.
The first (Dr. Shady Younis) and last author of the paper (Dr. William H. Robinson) have previously been involved in ME/CFS research.
6) VanElzakker also presented data on ME/CFS patients collected before the pandemic. They also had an increased signal in the brainstem and in the anterior mid-cingulate (mACC).
LC and ME/CFS may not be the exact same thing, but there are likely shared pathways.
LC and ME/CFS may not be the exact same thing, but there are likely shared pathways.
November 16, 2025 at 9:18 AM
6) VanElzakker also presented data on ME/CFS patients collected before the pandemic. They also had an increased signal in the brainstem and in the anterior mid-cingulate (mACC).
LC and ME/CFS may not be the exact same thing, but there are likely shared pathways.
LC and ME/CFS may not be the exact same thing, but there are likely shared pathways.
5) When using COVID-recovered controls, the signal was still there, but it moved downwards to e.g. the brainstem.
The difference isn’t strong enough to just look at the scans and say: 'that is clearly a long Covid patient', there is quite some overlap between groups.
The difference isn’t strong enough to just look at the scans and say: 'that is clearly a long Covid patient', there is quite some overlap between groups.
November 16, 2025 at 9:18 AM
5) When using COVID-recovered controls, the signal was still there, but it moved downwards to e.g. the brainstem.
The difference isn’t strong enough to just look at the scans and say: 'that is clearly a long Covid patient', there is quite some overlap between groups.
The difference isn’t strong enough to just look at the scans and say: 'that is clearly a long Covid patient', there is quite some overlap between groups.
3) The researchers also found strong correlations (r > 0.7) between the neuro-inflammation signal and various blood markers such as fibrogen (involved in clotting) and L-selectin (a cell-adhesion molecule).
November 16, 2025 at 9:18 AM
3) The researchers also found strong correlations (r > 0.7) between the neuro-inflammation signal and various blood markers such as fibrogen (involved in clotting) and L-selectin (a cell-adhesion molecule).
2) VanElzakker used PET scans in 12 Long Covid patients using the TPSO marker [11C]PBR28 that is over-expressed on microglia, the immune cells in the brain.
Didn’t seem like one region was driving the effect (CC ACC, pMCC thalamus, Stratium all showed a signal).
Didn’t seem like one region was driving the effect (CC ACC, pMCC thalamus, Stratium all showed a signal).
November 16, 2025 at 9:18 AM
2) VanElzakker used PET scans in 12 Long Covid patients using the TPSO marker [11C]PBR28 that is over-expressed on microglia, the immune cells in the brain.
Didn’t seem like one region was driving the effect (CC ACC, pMCC thalamus, Stratium all showed a signal).
Didn’t seem like one region was driving the effect (CC ACC, pMCC thalamus, Stratium all showed a signal).
1) Neuroscientist Michael VanElzakker showed some interesting results on brain inflammation in ME/CFS and Long Covid.
This was presented at the International Conference in Portugal earlier this week.
This was presented at the International Conference in Portugal earlier this week.
November 16, 2025 at 9:18 AM
1) Neuroscientist Michael VanElzakker showed some interesting results on brain inflammation in ME/CFS and Long Covid.
This was presented at the International Conference in Portugal earlier this week.
This was presented at the International Conference in Portugal earlier this week.
6) Instead of simply comparing individual proteins, the authors also looked at changing patterns in biological pathways using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).
The graph below gives an overview of abnormal pathways. We'll highlight a few interesting ones.
The graph below gives an overview of abnormal pathways. We'll highlight a few interesting ones.
November 15, 2025 at 8:21 AM
6) Instead of simply comparing individual proteins, the authors also looked at changing patterns in biological pathways using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).
The graph below gives an overview of abnormal pathways. We'll highlight a few interesting ones.
The graph below gives an overview of abnormal pathways. We'll highlight a few interesting ones.
3) At baseline, no protein was significantly different between patients and controls.
The most interesting results were found, not immediately after the first or second exercise test, but after a 24-hour recovery period following the first exercise.
The most interesting results were found, not immediately after the first or second exercise test, but after a 24-hour recovery period following the first exercise.
November 15, 2025 at 8:21 AM
3) At baseline, no protein was significantly different between patients and controls.
The most interesting results were found, not immediately after the first or second exercise test, but after a 24-hour recovery period following the first exercise.
The most interesting results were found, not immediately after the first or second exercise test, but after a 24-hour recovery period following the first exercise.