HeLa cells

HeLa cells are widely known & used in laboratories as they are the first cell line to be immortalized. This led to many scientific breakthroughs from eradicating polio to genetic & viral studies. The cells continue to contribute to scientific research today. ⠀
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Not only did HeLa cells brought change to the scientific world, the story behind HeLa cells has also been a catalyst for policy change. These cells were taken without permission from Henrietta Lacks when she was undergoing treatment for cervical cancer in 1951 (informed consent was not required in the 20th century). The family only found out much later in 1973 when scientists asked for DNA samples after finding that HeLa had contaminated other samples. The story behind HeLa cells highlighted the unfair treatment towards patients of the 20th century & stirred a huge discussion with regards to informed consent & privacy, influencing the revision of the Common Rule. ⠀

Read more about Henrietta Lacks & how her cells influenced the world

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot

Unlocking Life’s Code “The Henrietta Lacks Timeline: Her Life and Immortal HeLa Cells”

Statnews “5 important ways Henrietta Lacks changed medical science” 14 Apr 2017

“Lessons from HeLa Cells: The Ethics and Policy of Biospecimens” Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 3 Mar 2016

“Family matters” Nature. 8 Aug 2013