Two years ago it was near impossible to avoid social media videos of people sloshing ice-cold water over their heads, all in the name of science. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was written off by some as “slacktivism,” but researchers say the world-wide craze is making a difference.
Australian scientists have helped discover three new genes that increase the risk of sporadically developing motor neurone disease (MND).
The discovery of the new genes opens opportunities for further research to better understand the complex and debilitating disease, for which there are currently no effective treatments.
Researchers at the University of Queensland were involved in the international data analysis of more than 30,000 people with MND, also known as ALS.
Professor Naomi Wray from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute says this latest research, published in journal Nature Genetics, has increased the number of genes associated with the sporadic form of MND from one to four.
Thanks to funds raised by the ice bucket challenge that swept the world in 2014, it's hoped Australian patients will be included in the next phase of the study, said Prof Wray.
MND was catapulted into the spotlight by the Ice Bucket Challenge which raised thousands of dollars in funds. The collective good will enabled the largest grant ever, of $1.05 million, awarded by the MND Research Institute of Australia Research Committee.
More than 1400 Australians have MND, which attacks nerve cells controlling the muscles that enable people to move, speak, breathe and swallow. The average life expectancy for someone with MND is two to three years.
