Scientists find genetic differences in chronic fatigue syndrome patients, suggesting a biological cause.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered genetic differences in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), providing strong evidence that the condition has a biological basis. The study, part of the DecodeME project, analyzed DNA from 15,579 self-reported ME/CFS patients and 259,909 without the condition, finding eight regions of the genome that differ, particularly those linked to the immune and nervous systems. This research challenges misconceptions that ME/CFS is psychological or caused by laziness. While hailed as a milestone, the study has not yet been peer-reviewed, and experts call for further research to confirm these findings.