ME Research UK and the ME Association award grant for developing diagnostic test
This month we announced that ME Research UK and the ME Association have awarded funding to Dr Fatima Labeed and Dr Jackie Cliff to develop a diagnostic test for ME/CFS, expanding on their initial study showing electrical differences in blood cells from people with ME/CFS.
In this next phase, the researchers plan to test a larger cohort, improve sample processing, and investigate the biological basis of these electrical changes, with the aim of moving closer to a reliable and low-cost diagnostic test.
ME Research UK-funded brain research update
Dr Leighton Barnden and his team have just completed the first year of their ME Research UK-funded study using MRI to track changes in the brain over time in people with ME/CFS.
As well as optimising the MRI scanning protocols being used, the investigators invited feedback from the first participants to improve accessibility and to ensure their comfort during the procedure. The team has now performed baseline scans on more than 50 participants, so the study is well on track, and we look forward to seeing their first findings in due course.
The immune system and ME/CFS factsheet
One of our supporters asked if we had information on the immune system in relation to ME/CFS that could be shared with a GP. In response, we created a print-friendly factsheet available for anyone to use, and also a simpler overview article for our audience.
Articles
Haptoglobin and ME/CFS
A study found that haptoglobin – a protein that plays a crucial role in recycling iron and protecting the body from the harm caused during oxidative stress – may be linked to post exertional malaise.
AI in ME/CFS research
Scientists at Duke University School of Medicine and the Jackson Laboratory introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool, BioMapAI. The tool, trained on four years of biological and clinical data, found key correlations in gut, metabolic, and immune disruptions in ME/CFS, and according to a Duke University School of Medicine article, can identify ME/CFS with 90% accuracy.
Skeletal muscle oxygen diffusion impaired in ME/CFS and long COVID
A small study has identified that skeletal muscle oxygen diffusion – an important process in the body which ensures the delivery of oxygen to muscle cells for energy production – may be impaired in ME/CFS and long COVID.
Other topics explored in September include genes and ME/CFS, medications and ME/CFS – pyridostigmine and metformin, cognitive impairments in ME/CFS and long COVID, and natural killer cell dysfunction in ME/CFS.
Fundraising
Brighton Marathon – One place left!
Know someone who wants to help make a real difference? ME Research UK has one guaranteed charity place available for the 2026 Brighton Marathon which takes place on Sunday 12th April 2026.
Applications are being accepted until 30th October 2025 and we will allocate the place swiftly thereafter.
Cardiff Half Marathon: Team Brind is supporting ME Research UK
Clarissa Brind and her family – Mark, Charlie, David, and Jamie – are running in the Cardiff Half Marathon on 5th Oct 2025 in aid of ME Research UK.
They say: “We want to fund research that aims to find a cure and treatment options that can restore a normal life for our sister/auntie who suffers with moderate ME, while our niece/cousin is severe.”
Find out more and support their fundraiser
Christmas cards
By a short snout ‘Dachshund Through the Snow’ leads the pack on Christmas card sales with ‘Hoe, Hoe, Hoe’ following closely on its tail.
Explore our 2025 Christmas Card collection of eight unique designs, which are ready for purchase today.
Big Give Christmas Challenge – Thank you Pledgers!
Thanks to our wonderful supporters, ME Research UK has a Pledge Pot of £19,100 available to match-fund donations received during the Big Give Christmas Challenge which runs from 2nd – 9th December 2025. Updates to follow before December’s event!
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.
