The Ice Bucket Challenge Legit Just Paid For An ALS Breakthrough

Huh. Turns out viral internet content and hashtag activism can actually change the world.

Last year, it was revealed that the Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than $US100 million for ALS (aka Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

That alone is impressive – in fact, just raising awareness of what ALS stands for would have been impressive alone. Still, researchers at the time indicated that the funds could lead to some scientific breakthroughs to help understand and hopefully treat ALS in the very near future.

And the very near future is here! According to The Guardian, researchers announced on Monday that a new gene associated with the disease has been identified, which could possibly lead to new treatments.

A mild caveat: The discovered gene, NEK1, has so far only been associated with 3 per cent of ALS cases. Nonetheless, it gives scientists a new target when developing treatments.

Though it’s early days, the progress is undeniable. And to think, all because you were willing to get a little chilly.

Photo: YouTube / MNDAssociation.