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) 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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reposted by ME/CFS Science
I was just clearing out some files and came across this set of treatment survey results from the CFIDS Association of America in 1999 which I thought might be of interest to the odd person.
Pacing came out on top
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
Pacing came out on top
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
November 15, 2025 at 6:37 PM
I was just clearing out some files and came across this set of treatment survey results from the CFIDS Association of America in 1999 which I thought might be of interest to the odd person.
Pacing came out on top
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
Pacing came out on top
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
1) This study from Cornell University tested more than 6000 proteins before and after two exercise tests.
It found altered patterns in ME/CFS patients compared to controls, particularly in proteins involved in the immune system, signal transduction, and muscle contraction.
It found altered patterns in ME/CFS patients compared to controls, particularly in proteins involved in the immune system, signal transduction, and muscle contraction.
November 15, 2025 at 8:21 AM
1) This study from Cornell University tested more than 6000 proteins before and after two exercise tests.
It found altered patterns in ME/CFS patients compared to controls, particularly in proteins involved in the immune system, signal transduction, and muscle contraction.
It found altered patterns in ME/CFS patients compared to controls, particularly in proteins involved in the immune system, signal transduction, and muscle contraction.
Reposted by ME/CFS Science
Well deserved strategic funding - €50 million *per year* for a decade - on ME/CFS and Long Covid research. Spent wisely this could be a game changer. Germany now leads & other countries need to follow. Goal to “decipher the causes and mechanisms and develop new treatments”. #MEcfs #longcovid
November 14, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Well deserved strategic funding - €50 million *per year* for a decade - on ME/CFS and Long Covid research. Spent wisely this could be a game changer. Germany now leads & other countries need to follow. Goal to “decipher the causes and mechanisms and develop new treatments”. #MEcfs #longcovid
Reposted by ME/CFS Science
Surprised but elated to see Germany make good on its word to fund research into post-infectious diseases.
Beyond post-viral diseases like ME/CFS and Long COVID — for which effective therapy is urgently needed — viral infections are also implicated in diseases like MS, rheumatoid arthritis,
...
Beyond post-viral diseases like ME/CFS and Long COVID — for which effective therapy is urgently needed — viral infections are also implicated in diseases like MS, rheumatoid arthritis,
...
1) 🇩🇪 Some really good news! Germany plans to invest half a billion euros in research on diseases such as ME/CFS and Long Covid.
They are calling it "The National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases"
They are calling it "The National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases"
November 14, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Surprised but elated to see Germany make good on its word to fund research into post-infectious diseases.
Beyond post-viral diseases like ME/CFS and Long COVID — for which effective therapy is urgently needed — viral infections are also implicated in diseases like MS, rheumatoid arthritis,
...
Beyond post-viral diseases like ME/CFS and Long COVID — for which effective therapy is urgently needed — viral infections are also implicated in diseases like MS, rheumatoid arthritis,
...
1) 🇩🇪 Some really good news! Germany plans to invest half a billion euros in research on diseases such as ME/CFS and Long Covid.
They are calling it "The National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases"
They are calling it "The National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases"
November 14, 2025 at 8:30 AM
1) 🇩🇪 Some really good news! Germany plans to invest half a billion euros in research on diseases such as ME/CFS and Long Covid.
They are calling it "The National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases"
They are calling it "The National Decade Against Post-Infectious Diseases"
1) Had a look at this paper on 'The clinical relevance of Mast Cell Activation in ME/CFS'.
Unfortunately, it's almost fully based on self-reported data and questionnaires.
There are still almost no studies that looked deeper into MCAS in ME/CFS using proper biological tests.
Unfortunately, it's almost fully based on self-reported data and questionnaires.
There are still almost no studies that looked deeper into MCAS in ME/CFS using proper biological tests.
November 13, 2025 at 8:55 AM
1) Had a look at this paper on 'The clinical relevance of Mast Cell Activation in ME/CFS'.
Unfortunately, it's almost fully based on self-reported data and questionnaires.
There are still almost no studies that looked deeper into MCAS in ME/CFS using proper biological tests.
Unfortunately, it's almost fully based on self-reported data and questionnaires.
There are still almost no studies that looked deeper into MCAS in ME/CFS using proper biological tests.
Reposted by ME/CFS Science
1) In-depth Canadian study on 78 Long Covid patients with ME/CFS. They compared these to 62 controls who were infected by SARS-CoV-2 but did not develop complications.
Too many findings to mention them all, but here are some interesting results...
Too many findings to mention them all, but here are some interesting results...
November 12, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Interesting that this Canadian study found upregulated genes involved in neuronal differentiation and development.
DecodeME and the Snyder preprint also pointed in that direction (although using other genes and approaches).
DecodeME and the Snyder preprint also pointed in that direction (although using other genes and approaches).
5) The researchers also did RNA-sequencing to see which genes are upregulated.
In female patients, these were genes involved in neuronal differentiation and development such as ZNF469, BRINP2, and FEZF2.
In female patients, these were genes involved in neuronal differentiation and development such as ZNF469, BRINP2, and FEZF2.
November 12, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Interesting that this Canadian study found upregulated genes involved in neuronal differentiation and development.
DecodeME and the Snyder preprint also pointed in that direction (although using other genes and approaches).
DecodeME and the Snyder preprint also pointed in that direction (although using other genes and approaches).
1) In-depth Canadian study on 78 Long Covid patients with ME/CFS. They compared these to 62 controls who were infected by SARS-CoV-2 but did not develop complications.
Too many findings to mention them all, but here are some interesting results...
Too many findings to mention them all, but here are some interesting results...
November 12, 2025 at 10:07 AM
1) In-depth Canadian study on 78 Long Covid patients with ME/CFS. They compared these to 62 controls who were infected by SARS-CoV-2 but did not develop complications.
Too many findings to mention them all, but here are some interesting results...
Too many findings to mention them all, but here are some interesting results...
1) The results of RECOVER-NEURO are in!
It tested:
- computerized cognitive training
- cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation
- transcranial direct current stimulation
but no intervention showed significant improvement compared to a control group that did video puzzles and games.
It tested:
- computerized cognitive training
- cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation
- transcranial direct current stimulation
but no intervention showed significant improvement compared to a control group that did video puzzles and games.
November 11, 2025 at 9:25 AM
1) The results of RECOVER-NEURO are in!
It tested:
- computerized cognitive training
- cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation
- transcranial direct current stimulation
but no intervention showed significant improvement compared to a control group that did video puzzles and games.
It tested:
- computerized cognitive training
- cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation
- transcranial direct current stimulation
but no intervention showed significant improvement compared to a control group that did video puzzles and games.
Reposted by ME/CFS Science
Some in mental health are really bending backwards to dig up myths and pseudoscience to discredit complex physical illness and to claim it is, actually, psychological.
1) 🇨🇦 Problematic letter in the Canadian journal BCMJ, stating:
"Patients with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS have a high proportion of childhood physical abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual trauma. This trauma contributes to profound attachment disruptions..."
"Patients with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS have a high proportion of childhood physical abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual trauma. This trauma contributes to profound attachment disruptions..."
November 10, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Some in mental health are really bending backwards to dig up myths and pseudoscience to discredit complex physical illness and to claim it is, actually, psychological.
1) A new study by the group of Benjamin Natelson reports abnormal breathing patterns in ME/CFS patients during an exercise test.
42% met the criteria for dysfunctional breathing compared to 16% in controls.
42% met the criteria for dysfunctional breathing compared to 16% in controls.
November 10, 2025 at 9:08 AM
1) A new study by the group of Benjamin Natelson reports abnormal breathing patterns in ME/CFS patients during an exercise test.
42% met the criteria for dysfunctional breathing compared to 16% in controls.
42% met the criteria for dysfunctional breathing compared to 16% in controls.
1) Interesting letter in the Lancet Infectious Diseases.
It argues that Long Covid is a heterogeneous disease, so we need outcome measures that can assess multiple aspects reliably.
Otherwise, we risk falsely concluding that a treatment didn't work.
It argues that Long Covid is a heterogeneous disease, so we need outcome measures that can assess multiple aspects reliably.
Otherwise, we risk falsely concluding that a treatment didn't work.
November 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM
1) Interesting letter in the Lancet Infectious Diseases.
It argues that Long Covid is a heterogeneous disease, so we need outcome measures that can assess multiple aspects reliably.
Otherwise, we risk falsely concluding that a treatment didn't work.
It argues that Long Covid is a heterogeneous disease, so we need outcome measures that can assess multiple aspects reliably.
Otherwise, we risk falsely concluding that a treatment didn't work.
Reposted by ME/CFS Science
This is a very deft thread. A concise precis of our conversation on conservatism, capitalism, and disability
Thank you @mecfsskeptic.bsky.social
#MECFS #LongCovid @davetuller1.bsky.social
Thank you @mecfsskeptic.bsky.social
#MECFS #LongCovid @davetuller1.bsky.social
1) Interesting interview of Prof. Brian Hughes by David Tuller.
In his new book Hughes argues that psychology is not woke but that its methods are essentially conservative because it focuses on an individualistic view and ignores social context.
In his new book Hughes argues that psychology is not woke but that its methods are essentially conservative because it focuses on an individualistic view and ignores social context.
November 7, 2025 at 10:18 PM
This is a very deft thread. A concise precis of our conversation on conservatism, capitalism, and disability
Thank you @mecfsskeptic.bsky.social
#MECFS #LongCovid @davetuller1.bsky.social
Thank you @mecfsskeptic.bsky.social
#MECFS #LongCovid @davetuller1.bsky.social
1) 🇨🇦 Problematic letter in the Canadian journal BCMJ, stating:
"Patients with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS have a high proportion of childhood physical abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual trauma. This trauma contributes to profound attachment disruptions..."
"Patients with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS have a high proportion of childhood physical abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual trauma. This trauma contributes to profound attachment disruptions..."
November 9, 2025 at 8:34 AM
1) 🇨🇦 Problematic letter in the Canadian journal BCMJ, stating:
"Patients with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS have a high proportion of childhood physical abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual trauma. This trauma contributes to profound attachment disruptions..."
"Patients with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS have a high proportion of childhood physical abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual trauma. This trauma contributes to profound attachment disruptions..."