Remember the ice bucket challenge? Well, guess what? The charity fundraiser condemned by many as “slacktivism” has just funded a major breakthrough in ALS research.

The University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Project MinE has just identified the gene that is responsible for ALS.  This game-changing discovery, was possible thanks to the 1 million USD that was donated to scientists at the university from the Ice Bucket Challenge.

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More than 5,000 people each year are diagnosed with the disease in the U.S alone, and the discovery of the gene in question could lead to a better understanding of, and treatment for, ALS.

“The Ice Bucket Challenge enabled us to secure funding from new sources in new parts of the world,” said Bernard Muller, founder of Project MinE and an ALS patient. “This transatlantic collaboration supports our global gene hunt to identify the genetic drivers of the disease.”

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Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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