Ice Bucket Challenge leads to breakthrough for ALS research

Researchers have discovered an important breakthrough in ALS research, thanks to the funds of a social media phenomenon.

The Ice Bucket Challenge was a social media craze in 2014. It encouraged millions of people to dump buckets of ice water on their heads to raise money for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

According to a statement the ALS Association released Monday, researchers found a new gene, NEK1, that ranks among the highest genes that contribute to the degenerative disease.

The organization said this is the third ALS-related gene that researchers have discovered using funds from the Ice Bucket Challenge, CNN reported.

Multiple media outlets reported that 17 million people posted videos for the Ice Bucket Challenge, raising more than $200 million for ALS research.