Chronic fatigue gene study hailed as breakthrough in UK research
The research, part of the DecodeME project, identified eight regions of the genome that differ between individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and those without. The team says the findings help counter long-standing misconceptions that ME/CFS is psychological or caused by laziness.
The results offer "the first robust evidence that genes contribute to a person's chance of developing the disease," the researchers said in a statement.
ME/CFS affects an estimated 67 million people globally and is characterized by extreme fatigue, cognitive impairment ("brain fog"), and worsening symptoms after even mild physical or mental exertion. There is currently no diagnostic test or cure.
The study analyzed DNA samples from 15,579 people who self-reported ME/CFS symptoms and 259,909 people without, all of European ancestry. Researchers found that several gene variants were more common in the ME/CFS group, particularly those linked to the immune and nervous systems.
At least two of the regions are tied to the body's response to infection—supporting reports that ME/CFS symptoms often follow an infectious illness. Another region has been linked to chronic pain, which is also common among people with the condition.
"These results will not mean that a test or cure will be developed straight away, but they will lead to a greater understanding," said researcher Andy Devereux-Cooke. "They should prove game-changing in the ME/CFS research field."
While the study has not yet been peer-reviewed, it has been hailed as a milestone by patients and scientists alike. Some experts noted limitations, particularly the reliance on self-reported cases rather than formal clinical diagnoses. They called for larger follow-up studies to confirm the findings.
"This will take considerable investment in academia and by industry," said Dr. Jackie Cliff, an ME/CFS researcher at Brunel University of London, adding that more work is needed to turn the findings into treatments.
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Canada News.Net
12 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
Chronic fatigue gene study hailed as breakthrough in UK research
LONDON, U.K.: A significant new study from the University of Edinburgh has found genetic differences in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, offering the strongest evidence yet that the condition has a biological basis. The research, part of the DecodeME project, identified eight regions of the genome that differ between individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and those without. The team says the findings help counter long-standing misconceptions that ME/CFS is psychological or caused by laziness. The results offer "the first robust evidence that genes contribute to a person's chance of developing the disease," the researchers said in a statement. ME/CFS affects an estimated 67 million people globally and is characterized by extreme fatigue, cognitive impairment ("brain fog"), and worsening symptoms after even mild physical or mental exertion. There is currently no diagnostic test or cure. The study analyzed DNA samples from 15,579 people who self-reported ME/CFS symptoms and 259,909 people without, all of European ancestry. Researchers found that several gene variants were more common in the ME/CFS group, particularly those linked to the immune and nervous systems. At least two of the regions are tied to the body's response to infection—supporting reports that ME/CFS symptoms often follow an infectious illness. Another region has been linked to chronic pain, which is also common among people with the condition. "These results will not mean that a test or cure will be developed straight away, but they will lead to a greater understanding," said researcher Andy Devereux-Cooke. "They should prove game-changing in the ME/CFS research field." While the study has not yet been peer-reviewed, it has been hailed as a milestone by patients and scientists alike. Some experts noted limitations, particularly the reliance on self-reported cases rather than formal clinical diagnoses. They called for larger follow-up studies to confirm the findings. "This will take considerable investment in academia and by industry," said Dr. Jackie Cliff, an ME/CFS researcher at Brunel University of London, adding that more work is needed to turn the findings into treatments.
CTV News
3 days ago
- CTV News
U.K. scientists find genes linked with chronic fatigue syndrome
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh said on Wednesday they have discovered differences in the DNA of people with chronic fatigue syndrome that should help dispel the notion that the debilitating condition is psychological or driven by laziness. Their study found eight areas of genetic code that are different in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) than in healthy volunteers. The finding provides 'the first robust evidence that genes contribute to a person's chance of developing the disease,' the researchers said in a statement. The key features of the condition include worsening of fatigue, pain and brain fog after even minor physical or mental activity. Very little has been known about the causes of ME/CFS, and there is no diagnostic test or cure. The condition is believed to affect around 67 million people worldwide, the researchers said. The DecodeME study analyzed DNA samples from 15,579 people who reported having chronic fatigue on a questionnaire and 259,909 people without it, all of European descent. Gene variants that were more common in people reporting ME/CFS were linked to the immune and nervous systems, according to a report of the study that has not yet been peer-reviewed. At least two of the gene regions relate to how the body responds to infection, which aligns with reports that the symptoms often start after an infectious illness, the researchers said. Another gene region has previously been identified in people with chronic pain, another common symptom of the condition. The findings 'align with decades of patients reporting on their experiences,' researcher Andy Devereux-Cooke said in a statement, adding that they 'should prove game changing in the ME/CFS research field.' 'These results will not mean that a test or cure will be developed straight away, but they will lead to a greater understanding,' he said. Scientists who were not involved in the study said using volunteers who self-reported chronic fatigue syndrome rather than restricting participation to those with a diagnosis from a medical professional somewhat weakened its conclusions. They called for larger studies to replicate the results. Substantial work will be necessary 'to translate these findings into new treatments,' said Dr. Jackie Cliff, who studies infection and immunity in ME/CFS at Brunel University of London. 'This will take considerable investment in academia and by industry.' Reporting by Nancy Lapid; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Reuters
Vancouver Sun
4 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
We stepped into the sunflower fields of Dyson Farm to learn more about its latest hair-care launch
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. The wide open faces of the sunflowers buzzed with big, chubby bees. As I leaned in to get a closer look at the blooms, I spotted the insects thrumming about as they collected pollen and nectar, some resting amid the task, on the generous expanse of flower face. Originally introduced at the Dyson Farm in Lincolnshire, England, to promote biodiversity and pollination, the stalky, yellow flowers have become a focal point for recent growing innovation at the farm. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'One of the main challenges to scaling sunflowers to a commercial scale, in the U.K., is climate,' Ben Abell, head of agronomy at Dyson Farming, explains. 'It relies on sunshine and temperature. It really wants average temperature through the growing season, 18 degrees (C), which can be difficult in the U.K.' Sunflowers have generally been bred to thrive in different parts of the European continent where there is warmer weather and more sunshine. But, at this farming operation, the flowers are being bred for heartier genetics that can help them survive, and even thrive, in the cooler climate. As the lead agronomist — or crop doctor — at the acreage, Abell is helping to drive the innovation around this particular plant. 'We'd be one of the larger growers, for sure,' Abell says of the expansive field of shoulder-high flowers we're standing in. 'Generally, sunflowers have been grown for the seed for the bird-food market. 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Aside from the sunflower seed oil, which is sourced from the Dyson Farm, the other raw oil materials for the blend are primarily sourced form France, Mejia-Montane notes. 'We wanted a blend of different oils that would help to penetrate into the hair,' she says of the selection. 'It was quite a bit of trial-and-error to figure out what was the right combination of the different oils that didn't give you something that was too heavy and that they were all enhancing each other.' In development for about two years, the launch features a leave-in conditioning spray and a hair oil. Rather than rely on silicones, which are a common ingredient in many smoothing hair-care products that can feel heavy or greasy on strands, the Dyson team looked to find nourishing ingredients that boasted the conditioning benefits, along with heat protection. 'The team sought out to be able to find polymers. 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