NEW research from Griffith University has proven that the root cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is physical and not psychological.
The research team, which was led by Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik and Professor Don Staines, identified a dysfunctional cell receptor in the immune system which seems to be at the centre of the condition and related condition Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
The research team received funding from the Queensland Government, which has contributed $1.6 million in funding since 2008.
Professor Marshall-Gradisnik said the funding had helped establish the university's National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases as a world leader in CFS research.
An additional grant of $4 million was also received from the Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation.
Professor Staines said funding from Stafford Fox would be used to investigate opportunities to make a diagnostic test and potential treatments the team was currently working on publicly accessible.
"This is a huge boost to our research effort, enabling us to really look at how we can overcome this debilitating illness," he said.
Details: griffith.edu.au