Ice Bucket Challenge funds contribute to discovery of gene linked to ALS

The Ice Bucket Challenge is being credited with helping to raise significant funds that have allowed researchers to identify a gene found to be one of the most common in people with ALS, the deadly disease that affects neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The Challenge became a sensation two summers ago and involved participants, including many athletes and celebrities, pouring ice water over their heads to help raise awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The effort raised more than $100 million in contributions for the ALS Association, which contributed $1 million to the Project MinE research project.