Symptom Saturday – ME Research UK’s new weekly series
In August, ME Research UK launched Symptom Saturday – an ongoing series dedicated to taking an in-depth look at one core or additional symptom of ME/CFS at a time.
The weekly series extensively explores research, clinical guidelines, lived experiences, and management (including reference to key comorbidities), relevant to each symptom.
So far, we have covered post-exertional malaise (PEM) – the cardinal feature of ME/CFS – and we are currently exploring cognitive dysfunction i.e., brain fog.
As part of Symptom Saturday, ME Research UK is collecting anonymous quotes from individuals with confirmed or suspected ME/CFS to help convey the realities of the disease. Following our previous survey on PEM, we are now seeking community insights on cognitive dysfunction to be used at our discretion online, in print, and for internal education. Your voice is invaluable – please feel free to share your experiences with us.
Severe ME Day
On 8th August, we marked Severe ME Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness about severe myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Estimates suggest that around 25% of individuals with ME suffer from the severe form of the disease. The impact of severe ME is profound, leaving many individuals confined to their homes, bedbound, or even immobile.
Updates from our researchers
Dr Zack Shan at the University of the Sunshine Coast recently updated us on the progress of his project assessing brain inflammation and the lymphatic system in ME/CFS. The team has so far completed MRI scans and blood sampling from 82 participants, with analysis ongoing, and they anticipate finishing by the end of the year.
In other news, researchers at Griffith University in Australia have carried out a series of ME Research UK-funded imaging studies investigating brain structure and function in people with ME/CFS and long COVID. The group’s latest results were reported by doctoral student Tanoj Bahadur Singh and colleagues in the journal, Frontiers in Medicine – Translational Medicine, and suggest that ME/CFS and long COVID may involve subtle changes in the brain’s microstructure — very small-scale differences in the organisation of brain tissue.
MyCharity Mobile – Support ME Research UK for FREE
We are delighted to announce our new partnership with MyCharity Mobile, which turns something you already use every month into regular support for ME Research UK.
With MyCharity Mobile, 15% of your monthly mobile spend is donated to ME Research UK when you choose us as your designated charity. There’s no additional cost to you, and you still get your mobile service as normal.
Even better, there’s currently a special offer on their unlimited plan: half price for your first 3 months. Learn more.
Fundraisers – Thank You!
Thank you so much to our new fundraisers this month, and to everyone who has supported the charity. We welcome Kezia Howlett, Georgina Coverdale, and David Fardon. Read their stories.
We are so grateful to every single person who chooses to fundraise in aid of ME Research UK. It is only because of their support that we can continue to inform, influence, and invest in biomedical research into ME/CFS globally. Without them, our current projects simply would not be funded.
Articles
Muscle problems in long COVID and ME/CFS cannot be explained by prolonged inactivity
A team of researchers – including ME Research UK-funded researcher Associate Professor Rob Wüst – has published a manuscript in the leading science journal, Nature Communications, highlighting that muscle problems in long COVID and ME/CFS cannot be explained by prolonged inactivity. A recent press release emphasises the importance of their findings.
Other topics explored in August include immune- and gut-related symptom patterns, home-based care guidance for severe ME/CFS and heterogeneity in ME/CFS.
Big Give Christmas Challenge 2026 – Pledge deadline extended
Thanks to our fantastic supporters, ME Research UK has secured £13,500 in Pledges for this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge.
At the same time, the Big Give has extended the deadline to accept Pledges to 11pm Sunday 6th September 2026. With more time to gain Pledges we have increased our Pledge goal to £15,000. Learn more and pledge to invest in ME research today
Christmas card sales!
ME Research UK’s Christmas cards are officially here!
Check out our website for all the design options and ordering information.
Help us make the breakthrough
We know that, as a subscriber to our newsletter and someone who is interested in our work, you join us in the belief that only robust scientific research is the key to understanding ME/CFS.
Donations from our valued supporters are vital if we are to continue our work to inform, influence and invest in ME/CFS research globally.
