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DecodeME

@decodemestudy.bsky.social
897 followers 6 following 39 posts

🧬 The world’s biggest study of genetic causes of #MECFS. Launched September 2022. 🧬 decodeme.ed.ac.uk

PostsRepliesMedia
DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Action for ME’s Big Survey closes soon! To take part and find out more, head to Action for ME’s website: www.actionforme.org.uk/research-cam... Please note this is separate from DecodeME's work. Thank you for supporting ME/CFS research!
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
There’s still time to participate in Action for ME’s Big Survey! To take part and find out more, head to Action for ME’s website: www.actionforme.org.uk/research-cam... Thank you for supporting ME/CFS research.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
📢Action for ME has launched The Big Survey We’re sharing this from DecodeME as we think many of you may be interested in taking part - but please note, this survey is separate from DecodeME’s research. For more information, FAQs, and to take part: tinyurl.com/yzfb8uhw
Text reads 'Take part in Action for ME's Big Survey. Help illustrate the impact of ME/CFS. Open until January 2026.'Text reads 'Action for ME is inviting UK-based people with ME/CFS, or long Covid with ME symptoms, to take part in The Big Survey. The Big Survey is held every 5-6 years. The last survey was completed by over 4000 people, and this year they would like to reach as many people as possible.'Text reads 'Data collected will be used to shape Action for ME's wider work (including research) and illustrate the impact of ME. Anonymised survey data will also be shared with Dr Audrey Ryback, University of Edinburgh, who will use the data to study the age of ME onset, triggers, and heritability.'Text reads ' The survey is open until 27th January 2026. More information is available on Action for ME's website. Thank you.'
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Reposted by DecodeME
ME Association @meassociation.org.uk · 29/08/2025
The ME Association are pleased to announce that we have awarded Decode ME the Howes-Goudsmit Award 2025 for their extensive work and commitment to their genome-wide association study. Find out more: meassociation.org.uk/ir3e #MECFS #pwME #SevereME #MyalgicE #DecodeME #HowesGoudsmitAward
meassociation.org.uk
The ME Association awards Decode ME the Howes Goudsmit Award 2025 - The ME Association
The ME Association are pleased to announce that we have […]
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
As we move into the next phase of our study, we would like to say a huge thank you. Going forwards, we will no longer be able to respond to emails & check social media. Stay up to date through our email list - sign up at the bottom of our new homepage: shorturl.at/46QSk
DecodeME graphic. In the centre it says 'Thank you' in white cursive writing and beneath it 'from DecodeME'.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
If you took part in DecodeME, your data will continue to be held securely by Edinburgh Uni. To update your details/ consent, please email decodeme@ed.ac.uk. For general info or support, please contact Action for ME at infosupport@actionforme.org.uk or 0117 927 9551.
DecodeME graphic. In the centre it says 'Your data and consent. If you took part in DecodeME, your data will continue to be held securely by the University of Edinburgh. Any consents you gave, for wider use or recontact, remain valid'. Beneath this in a speech bubble it says 'To update your details or consent, please email decodeme.ed.ac.uk'.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
We shared our initial DNA results over the past few weeks to a wonderful response and widespread media coverage. Now, we are moving into the next phase of the study and have some updates to share. Check out our blog post to find out what’s next for DecodeME: shorturl.at/Y1hXm
DecodeME 'New Blog Post'. Titled: 'What's next for DecodeME?'. 'We shared our initial DNA results over the past few weeks to a wonderful response and widespread media coverage. Now, we are moving into the next phase of the study and have some updates to share.' There is an image of a scientist wearing goggles and pointing to a blackboard with a DNA helix.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Interested in supporting future ME/CFS research? @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social & @actionforme.bsky.social are expanding on DecodeME’s research through projects like SequenceME & Long Covid, which will use DecodeME data to study the entire genome. Help support future ME/CFS research: shorturl.at/rRFD9
Alt text: DecodeME post titled 'Support future ME/CFS research'. There is a picture of two hands and in between it is a green heart that says 'donate'. At the bottom of the graphic it says 'Donations will be used towards research projects such as the Genetics Centre of Excellence and Sequence ME and Long Covid.' Link in bio.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Our genetics results webinar recording is now available! Thank you to the 2500+ people who joined us live last week. For those who want to watch back, or who couldn’t attend you can find it on our new website, here: shorturl.at/Uh8xb
DecodeME 'The Results'. Post reads: 'Our Genetic Results webinar video and transcript are now available!'. Beneath this is an image of a clapperboard and an image of a transcript.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
As we approach the end of August, the new DecodeME website, over on the University of Edinburgh, will now be the central place for our updates and contact information. You can find our new website here: decodeme.ed.ac.uk
New website! DecodeME's website has moved to the University of Edinburgh's site. Find the link in our bio.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
“This solid scientific data from DecodeME brings new hope. I look forward to seeing where these discoveries lead for pwME, & their families & carers.” - Claire Tripp, DecodeME PPI. A huge thanks to our participants & supporters for making DecodeME possible.
Image of Claire from DecodeME's PPI. Claire has fair skin, brown hair and is grinning. She is quoted saying "For DecodeME to show evidence validating ME as a physiological disease is enormously satisfying. My sense of pride and achievement at being part of this groundbreaking study is immeasurable.

This solid scientific data from DecodeME brings new hope. I look forward to seeing where these discoveries lead for people with ME, and their families and carers."
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Reposted by DecodeME
Institute of Genetics and Cancer @uoe-igc.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Following the release of initial results from the @decodemestudy.bsky.social, led by @cgatist.bsky.social from #IGC and @cmvm-edinburghuni.bsky.social, @theguardian.com has covered its impact in its Science Weekly podcast 👇 www.theguardian.com/science/audi...
theguardian.com
Can science crack the mystery of ME? – podcast
Madeleine Finlay speaks to science editor Ian Sample about a new study of how genes affect people’s chances of developing ME/CFS, and to Nicky Proctor who has ME and took part in the research. She als...
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
(1/2) We have been blown away by the public response to our initial DNA results. We’ve been delighted to be featured in a range of news outlets, radio programs & articles. A huge thanks to those who helped spread the word & have helped us put ME/CFS research into the public eye.
News coverage. We have been blown away by the public interest in DecodeME's initial DNA findings.  Please swipe to check out some of our press coverage. Links to full segments, interviews and articles will be in our bio. Screenshot of Prof Chris Ponting and DecodeME participant. Beneath this it says 'Channel 4 News at 7pm, 6th August'. Screenshot of BBC news reporter and Prof Chris Ponting. Beneath this it says BBC Scotland News at 7pm, 6th August. Screenshot of BBC Radio 4 Today. Beneath this it says BBC Radio 4 Today Program, 7th August.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
“I am proud that this study was run differently, with lived experience at its heart. Proud that our community stepped up en masse to participate, and proud that we are at the forefront of scientific research into this debilitating illness.” - Sian Leary, DecodeME PPI
Photo of Sian Leary, from DecodeME patient and public involvement, next to the quote: "Having been on the Patient and Public Involvement Steering Group for the past 5 years, I want to celebrate this moment, but also to acknowledge the intense suffering pwME continue to endure. This study gives each of us validation that too often has been missing from healthcare professionals and close ones. We are a significant step closer to identifying the causes of ME, and to finding treatments."
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
“DecodeME shows the incredible level of support that the ME/CFS patient community can give to research that involves them on a deep and meaningful level. Without the community, we could not have achieved all that we have.” Andy Devereux-Cooke (PPI Member and Co-Investigator)
Photo of Andy Devereux-Cooke, PPI member and Co-investigator, next to his quote: "DecodeME shows the incredible level of support that the ME/CFS patient community can give to research that involves them on a deep and meaningful level. Without the community, we could not have achieved all that we have"
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
See you soon for our genetic results webinar! Spots are limited to 3000, and registering does not guarantee a spot. Don't worry - we will also be sharing it live to our Facebook page at the time facebook.com/decodeMEstudy as well as recording it so that you can watch it back.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Thank you for your response to our initial DNA results last week. We have been blown away by all your messages, support and kind words 🙏
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Join us TOMORROW for our genetic results webinar! Register here: shorturl.at/fnB67 There are limited spots to join on Zoom (registering does not guarantee a spot). Don’t worry though, we will be recording it and we will also be sharing it live on Facebook at the time.
Genetic results webinar. Join us on Zoom or Facebook, Thursday 14th August 2025, 15:30-16:30 BST. Photos of the DecodeME management team.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
"DecodeME is now calling on researchers worldwide to join us in accelerating ME/CFS research.” - Prof Chris Ponting (DecodeME Investigator). We encourage researchers to explore and build on our findings. Apply for access to our rich dataset now shorturl.at/F8aOM
Image of Chris Ponting next to quote "This is a wakeup call. These extraordinary results speak the language of people with ME/CFS, often recounting people's ME/CFS symptoms. DecodeME is now calling on researchers worldwide to join us in accelerating ME/CFS research"
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Today is #SevereMEDay - a day to recognise and honour the people living with the most devastating forms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). We are deeply grateful to those with Severe ME who took part in the DecodeME study. Your contribution is vital.
Thank you to the thousands of people with Severe ME who have taken the time and energy to participate in DecodeME #SevereMEDay
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
'Each genetic signal is like an ‘X’ on a treasure map indicating roughly where the researchers should dig for treasure.' Check out Simon McGrath’s blog to learn about the science behind the initial results: shorturl.at/hadjF
X marks the spot where ME/CFS biology can be discovered. The science behind the findings blog post.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
The Management Team are delighted to announce DecodeME’s initial DNA results & discuss what this means for #pwME & future research. A huge thanks to all our participants for giving their time, energy & DNA to the project. Learn more about our findings: shorturl.at/XOVJ1
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
After the release of our initial DNA results last night, Nicky Campbell's Five Live radio programme will cover ME/CFS this morning, we expect around 10am www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
bbc.co.uk
BBC Radio 5 Live - Nicky Campbell
Nicky Campbell takes your calls on the day's talking points.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
(1/2) Key genetic differences found in people with ME/CFS > Swipe to find out more. These findings reflect the lived experience of thousands of #pwME. Thanks to all our participants & supporters who made this possible! Read a summary of our results: shorturl.at/pgsjk
Graphic 1 of 4. DecodeME: The Results graphic. At the top in bold lettering, it says ‘Main Findings’. Beneath this it says ‘Your genes contribute to your chances of developing ME/CFS. Other key findings are on the following slides.Graphic 2 of 4. DecodeME: The Results graphic. The slide says ‘People with an ME/CFS diagnosis have significant genetic differences in their DNA compared to the general population’. Beneath this is an image of a DNA helix and a magnifying glass.Graphic 3 of 4. DecodeME: The Results graphic. The slide says ‘These lie in many places across the genome, and do not impact just one gene’. Beneath this is an image of a DNA helix and graphs.Graphic 4 of 4. DecodeME: The Results graphic. The slide says ‘Eight genetic signals have been identified. As DNA doesn’t change with ME/CFS onset, these findings reflect causes rather than effects of ME/CFS’. Beneath this is a blue magnifying glass with a DNA helix.
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Reposted by DecodeME
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 06/08/2025
Scientists find link between genes and ME/chronic fatigue syndrome
theguardian.com
Scientists find link between genes and ME/chronic fatigue syndrome
Large study suggests people’s genetics could ‘tip the balance’ on whether they would develop the illness Scientists have found the first robust evidence that people’s genes affect their chances of developing myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a mysterious and debilitating illness that has been neglected and dismissed for decades by many in the medical community. Early findings from the world’s largest study into the genetics of the condition pinpointed eight regions of the human genome that were substantially different in people with an ME/CFS diagnosis compared to those without the illness. Continue reading...
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Our initial DNA results! DecodeME have discovered that people with an ME/CFS diagnosis have significant genetic differences compared to the general population. - Summary of our results: shorturl.at/pgsjk Check out our full preprint paper: shorturl.at/VwN3s
DecodeME: The Results announcement post. The graphic has a blue background with a DNA helix. In the centre of the graphic it says ‘We have released our initial DNA results! We have discovered that your genes contribute to your chances of developing ME/CFS.’ At the bottom left of the graphic is an image of a research paper.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
The initial DNA results from DecodeME are coming this week! We will release them on our website on Wednesday 6th August at 7pm (approx). We're letting you know the timing in advance so you can pace beforehand. Thank you to our participants & supporters.
Dark blue background with image of DNA helix. At the top of the DecodeME ‘the results’ logo. Two spotlights shine on a speech bubble that says ‘Initial DNA results’. To the right of this is an image of a research paper. At the bottom of the graphic it says ‘Wednesday 7pm BST’.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
This week, the project team reached a significant milestone: we are into the final analysis stage which tests millions of DNA variants for their association to ME/CFS. Completion of the write-up and announcement of the results will follow as soon as possible.
The post reads: 'This week, the project team reached a significant milestone: we are into the final analysis stage which tests millions of DNA variants for their association to ME/CFS. Completion of the write-up and announcement of the results will follow as soon as possible.  
We are on target to deliver the results before the completion of the study in August and appreciate your continued patience and support. - DecodeME Team'
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
"Being part of DecodeME’s PPI Steering Group has given me the chance to turn my daughter’s life-altering illness into something purposeful…” - Claire Tripp, DecodeME PPI. Our PPI group is at the heart of #DecodeME, providing lived experience & expertise to ensure #pwME have their voices heard.
At the top left hand corner is the DecodeME logo. Beneath this is an image of Claire. She has brown hair, fair skin and grins. Beneath this it says 'Claire Tripp, DecodeME PPI'. To the right of the picture "Being part of DecodeME’s PPI Steering Group has given me the chance to turn my daughter’s life-altering illness into something purposeful. When patients and carers are involved, research becomes not just more accessible - but more powerful. Beneath this: 'proudly supporting World ME Day'.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
This World ME Day, I reflect with pride on the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)..this is research done differently – because we deserve better.” - Sian Leary, DecodeME PPI. Our PPI group is at the heart of #DecodeME, providing lived experience & expertise to ensure #pwME have their voices heard.
DecodeME graphic. At the top left hand corner of the graphic is the DecodeME logo. Beneath this is an image of Sian. She has blonde hair, fair skin, wears glasses and grins. Beneath this image it says 'Sian Leary, DecodeME PPI'. To the right of the picture is a quote from Sian: "This World ME Day, I reflect with pride on the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) at the core of DecodeME. This is research done differently - because we deserve better.' Beneath this: 'proudly supporting World ME Day'
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Reposted by DecodeME
Institute of Genetics and Cancer @uoe-igc.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
On #MECFSAwareness day, @cgatist.bsky.social talks about why we need more funding for research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to help people living with this disease. @decodemestudy.bsky.social media.ed.ac.uk/media/Decode...
media.ed.ac.uk
DecodeME_5.2025
DecodeME
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
This #WorldMEday we want to take a pause & recognise the challenges, stigma & neglect that many #pwME face. We hope that #DecodeME can pave the way forward in accelerating research into M.E./CFS & will help to set a standard in research to include voices of pw lived experiences.
Below is a graphic for World ME Day. At the top right hand corner is the DecodeME logo. At the centre of the image is a quote from Professor Chris Ponting: "DecodeME is not just the world's largest study of the genetic causes of ME, but it was the first to place people with experience of ME at its heart. A total of 27,000 people with ME took part. At the bottom centre of the image in white it says 'proudly supporting World ME Day'.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
TW: Severe M.E. “the data backs up what many people with ME/CFS say: that they feel invisible and ignored.” Please note that this article is behind a paywall.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
We’re the world's largest genetic study of ME/CFS. We’ll be sharing our findings on here when available, so follow DecodeME to find out more about our study in the meantime, and help our science reach more people in the #MECFS community. 🧬 #DecodeME #MECFS #pwME #myalgicencephalomyelitis
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
"What the research field now needs most urgently, says Ponting, is a robust scientific foundation…DecodeME, the largest ME/CFS study to date, is now taking a step in this direction in Great Britain" shorturl.at/VJj06 To read in English, open in Chrome & use the translate function.
Graphic with dark blue background. At the top left hand corner is the DecodeME logo. Beneath this is a screenshot from the article, with the front cover a picture of someone beneath white bedding with their face and arm peeking out, and beneath this is the headline ‘Long Covid in its worst form’ and the subheading ‘Chronic fatigue syndrome affects millions of people and has been known for a long time. But patients were psychologized, stigmatized and treated incorrectly. It was only Long Covid that brought about a rethink. By Theres Lüthi, 08.01.2025’. Next to the screenshot of the article is a quote saying "What the research field now needs most urgently, says Ponting, is a robust scientific foundation... DecodeME, the largest ME/CFS study to date, is now taking a step in this direction in Great Britain”.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Happy New Year from #DecodeME. We're sending our best to you and your loved ones for the year ahead. We are now deep into the exciting stage of analysing the DecodeME data, and anticipate the initial DNA results to be available by the middle of 2025. #DecodeME #MECFS #pwME
Graphic with dark blue background. At the top right is a green DNA helix. At the top centre of the graphic is the DecodeME logo and beneath it says ‘would like to wish you a’ in light beige writing, and beneath this is a green circle that says ‘Happy New Year’ in white lettering in it. At the bottom of the graphic in white lettering it says ’Thank you for supporting the study, we couldn’t do it without you!’
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
#DecodeME is now closed for the holidays until 6th Jan! Thank you for everything you have helped us achieve together this year & for your continued support. We are now deep into the exciting stage of analysing the data and anticipate the DNA analysis to be complete by the middle of 2025 #MECFS #pwME
Graphic with a light cream background. At the top left hand corner are green, silver and black snowflakes. At the top right hand corner is a green DNA helix. At the top centre of the graphic it says 'Have a wonderful Festive Season! DecodeME is' in navy lettering and beneath it in a green circle 'Closed for Holidays' in black writing. At the bottom centre of the graphic it says 'from 20th Dec to 6th Jan'. At the bottom right is the DecodeME logo and at the bottom left is a green DNA helix.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
DecodeME looks forward to working with the SequenceME partnership on this exciting project. We hope they receive the required funding soon and look forward to receiving their data access application. We are also open to other data access requests, and our process for this can be found on our website
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone for helping us achieve so much this year. You have helped us create the largest cohort of ME/CFS in the world & we're now deep into analysing the data! We anticipate the DNA analysis to be complete by the middle of next year. #DecodeME #MECFS #pwME
Graphic with a dark blue background. In the centre in a green circle it says ‘Thank you!’ In black lettering. At the bottom of the graphic it says ‘for everything we’ve achieved together in 2024’ in white lettering. At the top left of the graphic is the UKbiocentre and Thermofisher logo, beneath this it says ‘All of your DNA samples, over 18,000 of them, have now been processed and the genetic information received by the team.’ Next to this is a picture of a questionnaire, and beneath it says ‘Over 15,000 participants completed and returned the 2nd questionnaire.’ Next to this is an image of a black magnifying glass and a graph and underneath it says ‘We cleaned and prepared the sample data for analysis.’ Underneath this is an image of a green double helix and beneath this it says ‘We opened data access to other researchers.’ To the centre left of the graphic is a magnifying glass with a graph in it and beneath it says ‘We are deep into analysing the DNA data and comparing it to healthy controls.’
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Reposted by DecodeME
ThereForME @thereforme.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Dec 11: Prof Chris Ponting is #ThereForME! @cgatist.bsky.social leads @decodemestudy.bsky.social, the world’s largest ME genetic study. “My Christmas wish for people with ME and Long Covid is: Many scientific breakthroughs – a ‘True Dawn’ bringing us much closer to effective therapies. Chris xx”
A pretend polaroid shows a very Christmassy Chris Ponting posing for a photo holding a #ThereForME Christmas card. He is wearing a very fetching Santa hat and a tinsel garland  

The image on the card shows two presents, one labelled "patient safety", the other "research". The photo is labelled "11". The design is in the #ThereForME colours.This second image displays Chris’s handwritten message. It reads “My Christmas wish for people with ME and Long Covid is: Many scientific breakthroughs – a ‘True Dawn’ bringing us much closer to effective therapies. Chris xx”
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
TW: Severe ME “People’s lives have been blighted by this disease... they cannot get the care that they deserve and that they need.” - Prof Chris Ponting, DecodeME Investigator. To hear from those whose family has been most affected by severe ME, watch below ⬇️ news.sky.com/video/in-ful...
news.sky.com
In full: Monday's UK Tonight
Sarah-Jane Mee brings all the big stories across the UK.
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DecodeME @decodemestudy.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
This festive season, we’d like to encourage those with a loved one w/ME to gift an act of kindness. Ask what would be most helpful and comforting to them, what may seem small to you could be immensely helpful & meaningful to someone living with ME #DecodeME #RandomActsOfKindness
Graphic with yellowy beige background. At the top left there is the DecodeME logo, at the top right are dark blue and green baubles. At the top centre it says ‘Supporting someone with ME’. Beneath this it says ‘Remember to check in on your friend/ family member with ME this festive season and see what would be most helpful and comforting for them.’ Underneath this it lists suggestions to do this, including: Go shopping, call or text them to let them know you’re here for them, cook them a warming meal, keep including them in your plans even if they have to decline most of the time and sit with them quietly.
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