Ansel Elgort took part in the ice water bucket challenge, getting shirtless and pouring ice bucket water on his head. The video uploaded on YouTube has grabbed attention of teenagers across the globe.

The challenge is linked to collection of funds for research on the ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also referred as motor neurone disease. Around 12,000 Americans are suffering from this fatal disease.

This challenge was originally used to raise awareness by friends and relatives of former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates who was diagnosed with ALS disease in 2012. He is now paralyzed and is fed through a tube. The ALS Association told Fox Boston that it has raised $1.35 million in the past two weeks. It raised just $22,000 in the same period last year.

The ALS association has seen a ten times increase in donations only between August 4 and August 6. The challenge has gone viral, attracting many people.

The long list of participants so far includes Matt Lauer, Martha Stewart, numerous politicians, pro athletes, and several members of the Kennedy clan. President Obama could be next.

This challenge works in a simple manner. A person is nominated to take part in the challenge by one of his friend, he then has to take part by recording a video of himself doing the complete act and then uploading it on YouTube. Those who complete the challenge have to nominate other friends, who would then nominate others.

Dr. Wealthall, former neonatal pediatrician, says," Throwing cold water unexpectedly over the face and head is an extremely dangerous". He feels that this game should be stopped immediately. He stated the fact that when water is poured on the head suddenly, it closes the larynx and slows the heart rate. On July 7, Willis Tepania, 40, died from a heart attack after completing the challenge.