Researchers (including Oliver Fiehn and Dinesh Barupal of the UC Davis Genome Center) were able to create a strong predictive model capable of detecting myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) with an 84% certainty. To read more, go to Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health's article.

Going forward, the researchers say their data could be used to engineer an animal model for ME/CFS to manifest the same altered metabolome and microbiome. If the animal's behavior is similar to symptoms seen in ME/CFS patients, they would know the metabolic and microbiome are likely playing a causal role in the manifestation of disease. An animal model would also allow researchers to test treatments. Currently, there are no approved therapies for ME/CFS.