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Is the DNA of people with ME different?

Is the DNA of people with ME different?

Update: 2025-08-27
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For years, many people living with ME and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have battled to have their experiences of ill health heard and validated.

Now, two recent studies have shown there could be differences within their blood and DNA compared to the general population. We meet the scientist behind the research – Professor Chris Ponting – and Laura Boyles who has been living with the condition for 15 years.

Blind podcaster, Evie Roberts, has only just finished her GCSEs but is already getting A listers to appear on her show and is keeping Emma Tracey on her toes.

And we meet our second professor of the day – Professor Cathy Bully – who’s part of the team behind a new shoe which is helping people with foot drop, walk again. And in one case get back into the mountains, hiking.

Presented by Emma Tracey with Kirsteen Knight
Sound mixed by David O’Neill
Produced by Alex Collins
Series producer is Beth Rose
Editor is Damon Rose

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Is the DNA of people with ME different?

Is the DNA of people with ME different?

BBC Sounds