How the Ice Bucket Challenge Actually Helped Scientists Working on ALS
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How the Ice Bucket Challenge Actually Helped Scientists Working on ALS

Remember two years ago when everyone was dumping buckets of ice water on their heads in the name of medical research?

It turns out the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge brought in more than just views on the internet. It raised an estimated $115 million, which has led to the discovery of three new genes in the past two years that may lead to the creation of new therapies for the disease.

Related: The 9 Most Amazing ALS Ice Bucket Challenges

Scientists announced the discovery of the latest gene this week in the journal Nature Genetics, crediting the work of more than 80 researchers in 11 countries. “Global collaboration among scientists, which was really made possible by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge donations led to this important discovery,” John Landers, the University of Massachusetts Medical School professor who led the research said in a statement. “It is a prime example of the success that can come from the combined efforts of so many people, all dedicated to finding the causes of ALS.”

Next month, the ALS Association is launching a new campaign, Every Drop Adds Up, in an effort to recreate the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge.

While the discovery of the genes is important progress, doctors now must research and test new therapies that target them. The ALS Association estimates that the cost of developing one new drug is around $2 billion.

ALS is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, eventually leading to the loss of muscle control.

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