Research funding call 2024 – Huge initial response
ME Research UK were delighted to receive 27 proposals in response to our recent call for grant applications, together representing a total of nearly £6 million requested, and covering many different areas of ME/CFS research – including immunology, neurology, post-exertional malaise, biomarkers and viral infections. The proposals are now being assessed by our Science Committee, but none of this is possible without the generosity of our supporters.
La Trobe University’s ‘Visualise Your Thesis Competition’ Winner
Tina Katsaros (pictured) is currently working on her PhD-level research project at La Trobe University, under the supervision of Dr Sarah Annesley and funded by ME Research UK. The research is on the cause-and-effect relationships between energy pathway abnormalities in cells from people with ME/CFS.
Hoping to hone her communication skills, Tina recently entered the ‘Visualise Your Thesis’ competition at La Trobe University, and we are happy to report that, in no small part to the supporters who voted for her, her video won both the People’s Choice Award and overall runner-up prize.
Research articles
At the 16th Invest in ME Research conference, Prof. Ron Davis discussed a hypothesis that a molecule known as BH4 could be involved in the pathogenesis of ME/CFS. Research has shown that uncontrolled upregulation of BH4 is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, cognitive impairment, immune dysregulation, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Neurological symptoms, such as pain and cognitive difficulties, are central to ME/CFS, but little is known about the exact mechanisms that cause them. One strategy is to use MRI to look at so-called BOLD signals in the brain, which detect changes in blood oxygenation and therefore indicate brain activity. A team of researchers including Dr Zack Shan (whose current research is funded by ME Research UK) have recently published the results of a study investigating changes in BOLD signals in people with ME/CFS.
The Big Give
The Pledge phase of the Big Give Christmas Challenge ended on Sunday 8th September. ME Research UK is very grateful to have garnered £14,100 in Pledges which is the most we have ever attracted since we joined the initiative.
This means that the first £14,100 we receive during the week-long Big Give Christmas Challenge from noon 3 December will be DOUBLED from our Pledge pot. One donation = double the difference. All monies raised will be dedicated to funding research.
Christmas Cards
Our collection of Christmas cards for 2024 is now available to buy online or to order via post or phone. There are nine designs this year, with another three designs available exclusively in our online shop (while stocks last). This is a great way to help support ME Research UK, and to raise awareness of ME/CFS among your family and friends, so please do have a look at the cards on offer.
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.
