The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Joanne is in her culture room talking about immortal cell lines including the most famous one of all, HeLa cells. Rebecca Skloot has written a marvelous account of the discovery of the cells and the woman and family behind the donor! This important work is available for purchase February 2, 2010!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Immortal
• Life
• of
• Henrietta
• Lacks
• Rebecca
• Skloot
• HeLa
• cells
• cell
• culture
• science
• Joanne
• Manaster
• 3T3
• line

[KAIZER2000]

I'm not a scientist... I'm a journalist... but I just finished reading the book. It's an amazing story. I had never heard of HeLa or the Henrietta Lacks story until now. This is an important part of American History and I'mg glad this story has finally been told.

[joannelovesscience]

This book as something for almost everyone. The story is important and poignant. Thanks for commenting.

[nontheistdavid]

I have a serious question for joanna, how in the hell do you read all of these books and teach at the same time?

[joannelovesscience]

I am a prolific reader. What can I say? I enjoy the subjects in the books. Plus I will read some on the elliptical machine, so I have incentive to go exercise as well! :)

[chandarbk]

It is a really interesting book and I would truly recommend it to anyone. I had no idea who Henrietta Lacks was until I read it. It's a shame that she does not have more recognition, considering all she's done for society. Even though they are not required by law to show appreciation for the Lacks family, Johns Hopkins should be morally obligated to recognize the family's contributions to science.

[NoName21234]

sarah palin? is that you eh?

[colinedb]

I've had the chance to work with several human cell lines now and not stopped once to think about where they came from. I'll definitely read this book and try to be more conscientious!

[blampa]

So Hela cells are ostensibly the "Chuck Norris" of cells?

Seriously though, I have read Rebecca Skloots book, and I find the story of the woman absolutely fascinating. Would you agree that HeLa cells have saved the lives of millions through the ability to conduct research previously not possible? Love your videos by the way.

[gakabani]

NorthForkFisherman, can you please elaborate your comment? Thanks.

[NorthForkFisherman]

@famousbruce It's the cancer that became essentially immortal. HeLa has a very efficient form of telomerase that performs chromosome repairs during each cell division. The cells have been in culture for so long that it has evolved to the point of being a separate kind of protozoan, even invading other cell lines.

[Dablkwid0w2008]

Smart women rock!

OT: if I was mrs Lacks' daughter I would ask them could they take those cells and bring my mother back, other than that I wouldn't care about the money .

[stephenawolfe]

Henrietta Lacks is a true hero to modern medicine. It's very unfortunate she never knew what a great contribution to medical advancement she would be.

[famousbruce]

This might be a stupid question, but I want to know if Henrietta Lacks was potentially immortal? If she hadn't got cancer or been run over by a bus etc.

PS. You are so hot when you talk science.

[chandarbk]

For anyone interested in learning more about The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, come visit our blog on apwh.weebly

It was assembled by the 10th grade AP World History class at Miami Country Day School.