A Breakthrough In ALS Research Thanks To The Ice Bucket Challenge | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

A Breakthrough In ALS Research Thanks To The Ice Bucket Challenge

26
A Breakthrough In ALS Research Thanks To The Ice Bucket Challenge
Sara Ellington

Two years ago, the ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) ice bucket challenge took over the internet one pail at a time. From celebrities to athletes to everyday people, individuals would challenge a few friends via video to either donate money to ALS research or to also get soaked by a freezing splash of water, as the challenger was about to. Thankfully, many did both tasks – leading to the campaign’s massive success.

However, many critics also took to the internet to express their grievances with the social media tactic. Calling it slacktivism – actions performed via the internet in support of a political or social cause but regarded as requiring little time or involvement – but the numbers don’t lie. ALS received unprecedented publicity and donations, as seen in the infographic from The ALS Association below.

That $77 million in research has led to identifying a new ALS gene, NEK1. This discovery through the largest study yet of familial ALS is “among the most common genes that contribute to the disease, providing scientists with another potential target for therapy development.” The researchers of Project MinE believe that even though only 10 percent of ALS cases are inherited, genetics indirectly plays a large role across the board of cases.

To continue the momentum, the association is encouraging participants and donors to take up the challenge annually, and to not let it simply pass by as a campaign from two summers ago.

According to the New York Times, Brian Frederick – executive vice president for communications and development for the ALS. Association – sees a brighter future thanks to the recent outpour of support.

“There’s an excitement and an energy in the ALS research community that has not been there before. There’s a real sense of hope and optimism among many people living with ALS now.”
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191015
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15324
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458177
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26783
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments