The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Worked! Researchers Say Viral Fundraiser Was Responsible For A Major Gene Discovery!

The power of the Internet!
Back in 2014, it seemed like everyone was pouring ice water on themselves and uploading it to the internet for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
Not only did this viral charity challenge made a big splash with raising ALS awareness, but it’s also responsible for scientists making a MAJOR discovery about the nervous system disease!
The ALS Association credits money raised through the Ice Bucket Challenge for the discovery of a common gene that contributes to the progressive disease.
Photo: Nick Jonas Treats Diabetic Children To A Night Of Fun!
Some of the $100 million raised by the 2014 challenge helped fund a global effort called Project MinE — which aimed to find the genetic drivers of the condition.
According to a paper published this week in the journal Nature Genetics, Project MinE researchers have identified a connection between ALS and the NEK1 gene, which will help in developing new target therapy for the disease!
AH-Mazing! Who knew watching all those celebrities getting water dumped on them would actually lead to a scientific breakthrough?
Now all we have to do is come up with viral charity challenges for everything else out there!