Although we have come a long way in medicine, the mysteries of the human body are still being discovered. Every day comes with a new discovery and better understanding of diseases, illnesses and conditions. However, have you heard about an illness that does not have a clear cause, way to diagnose or even cure? Although this was a common issue in the past, hearing about a disease like this in today’s day and age is concerning. One such issue many people are battling, many without even knowingly, is chronic fatigue syndrome. However, new research shows that we may be able to diagnose it, through our gut, and with the help of AI. A new study done at Jackson Laboratories found that with the help of AI we may be able to help millions of people who go undiagnosed every year. What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention explains that Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome affects us in may different ways, this complex illness is severe, long-lasting and something that doesn’t get better with rest. People who have ME also report issues like poor sleep, dizziness, pain, and difficulty thinking. A key symptom is post-exertional malaise (PEM), where even small amounts of physical or mental activity can make a person’s symptoms much worse. Because of this, many people with ME/CFS can't do their normal daily activities, and about one in four may be confined to bed for a period of time. What makes this illness complex is the diagnosing it. Diagnosing ME/CFS is very difficult because there is no specific test for it. Its symptoms are similar to many other illnesses and can change over time, making it hard for doctors to recognize. This is one reason why many people go undiagnosed. In the U.S., it's estimated that as many as 3.3 million people have ME/CFS, but more than 9 out of 10 of them have not been officially diagnosed. There is currently no cure for ME/CFS, but some symptoms can be managed. Patients, their families, and healthcare providers need to work together to create a plan that focuses on the most troubling symptoms. Can AI Help Diagnose CFS? The research shows that artificial intelligence (AI) could provide a much-needed breakthrough in diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as ME. For many years, doctors have struggled to diagnose this condition because there are no clear lab tests for it. This study discovered that CFS disrupts the important connections between a person's gut bacteria, immune system, and metabolism. By using AI to analyze these systems, doctors may soon have a reliable way to confirm a diagnosis, giving hope to the millions of people who suffer from this illness. The researchers also hope that by better understanding these connections, they can develop more effective, personalized treatments. Gut-Immune Connection The researchers used advanced AI to examine the complex relationships within the body. They looked at gut bacteria and the immune system and then matched their findings with the common symptoms of CFS, such as fatigue, chronic pain, and sleep problems. The AI was so effective that it was able to tell the difference between people with CFS and healthy individuals with 90% accuracy. The study found that problems with the immune system could show how severe a person's CFS is, while the gut bacteria could help predict issues with sleep, emotions, and digestion. This is a huge step forward because it gives doctors real biological signs—or "biomarkers"—to look for. The study also suggests that the disease's effects get stronger over time, making an early diagnosis even more critical. How Does This Affect CFS Treatment The findings from this research open up exciting possibilities for new treatments. Since the gut bacteria and metabolism are always changing, the researchers believe it might be possible to treat the illness by making changes to a person's diet, lifestyle, or through specific medicines. The study found clear patterns in the biological systems of people with CFS, which proves that the illness is not random but a real physical problem in the body. Researchers also believe these discoveries might be helpful for understanding and treating long COVID, as both conditions can happen after an infection and have similar symptoms. This new knowledge could eventually lead to more effective ways to manage and treat these complex and often misunderstood illnesses.