An interactive guide to the promising new discoveries of 2019

By Rochelle Joslyn (PhD)

Edited by Allison Ramiller

2019 is off to a strong start for ME/CFS research! From the search for sensitive and specific biomarkers in neuroimaging and CPET testing, to the use of next generation (RNA) sequencing in transcriptomic analyses of peripheral blood, findings from the first quarter of the year reflect engagement of transformative new technologies in deciphering biological evidence of disease. Major emphasis on the patient experience is also apparent in targeted characterizations of patient encounters with the health care system and foundational work to develop disease-specific methods to capture the experience of PEM. A spate of epidemiologic analyses describes the variable landscape of ME/CFS around the world.

Just 3 months in, this year is shaping up to be one of our best yet in revealing the breadth of what it means to live with ME/CFS, unraveling the biologic mystery driving disease, and moving closer to achieving the range of scientific and clinical tools necessary to initiate clinical trials.