Gone for 73 Years But Her Cells Live On #immortal

Gone for 73 Years But Her Cells Live On #immortal. HeLa cells are extraordinary in the world of cell biology because they are immortal—they can divide indefinitely in culture, unlike normal human cells, which have a limited lifespan. This unique property makes HeLa cells invaluable for scientific research and medical advancements. The immortal nature of HeLa cells is attributed to a mutation in the TP53 gene, which regulates cell division and apoptosis (programmed cell death). In HeLa cells, this mutation allows them to bypass the normal regulatory mechanisms that limit cell division, enabling them to proliferate indefinitely under the right conditions. Moreover, HeLa cells are exceptionally robust and adaptable, able to survive and thrive in a wide range of culture conditions and environments. This resilience makes them ideal for experiments that require long-term cell culture, as well as for studying cellular processes, disease mechanisms, drug testing, and vaccine development. HeLa cells have been instrumental in research on cancer biology, virology, genetics, immunology, and countless other fields. They have been used to study the effects of radiation, test new drugs and therapies, and investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease. #ethics #research

[amandah]

It's a shame that the companies used her cells without her consent. But it's a fantastic legacy, she helped to ease the suffering caused by polio etc.

[envylambird]

I went to a high-school named after her, it's bioscience focused allowing students to get experience in Biotechnology, Nursing, and Cell & Molec Biology before going to college. We were taught her story as mandatory reading in our English classes, and her family went through so much to get the closure they needed, and they still never got it because too much time had passed

[atomsnevertouch]

She in fact did NOT sacrifice anything. They waited until she was too weak for treatment and let her die.

[drewjay]

It's misleading to say she sacrificed herself for medical research. This wasn't a cause for her; parts of her body were taken whether she liked it or not.

[meyer]

Don't forget that the "immortal cell line" concept was explained really poorly to her family, making them believe she was being kept alive, suffering from cancer eternally.

[mandibailey]

My hero!!! Our hero. More people need to learn her story. EVERYONE needs to know her story! Her family should have been given everything and continue to receive payments.

[solalab]

using her body without her consent is just disgusting.

[NehaSingh-ceet]

As a med student, we have always learnt about HeLa cells and this is the first time m actually knowing why they are named so

[dakota.skyler]

The insane part is, there would be absolutely nothing wrong with this if they literally just asked for her consent. Somehow I feel like that's a common theme when it comes to how women are treated 🤨

[blackoutbre]

I think you meant " This woman was medically violated at the most vulnerable time in her life. Because doctors didn't want to pay or created her because she was and a black woman".

[binxdoesntbite]

She didn't sacrifice anything. She had it nonconsensually taken from her. The medical abuse of Black women is nothing new, but it's just as enraging every time I think about it.

[miram]

Saving the day over and over and over again yet consistently overlooked.

[why_you_looking_at_this]

actually had to read a book about her and answer questions about each chapter every few days in AP bio, it was pretty good

[holyek]

She didn't sacrifice anything. She was harvested and utilized. That's what nightmares are made of. May she rest in peace.

[BetsyRoberts-ue]

She didn't sacrifice her life. She had metastatic cervical cancer and was going to die anyway. But it was wrong to take her cells and not explain why they wanted them. And I think her family was 100% justified in filing suit over this. I really doubt the family was compensated satisfactorally. The book about Henrietta is fascinating; read it.

[GalacticPossum]

She's from my town, and we finally got a statue of her... In fall 2023.

[ReeCrowsFray]

This absolutely INSANE, but magical, in a way. WOW!!!!😮😮😮

[bananachip]

I wouldn’t say she sacrificed her life, since she had no idea that the cells had been taken from her or what they were used for. But her story is absolutely fascinating and sad

[albecharlie]

It’s a tragedy and disgusting form, showing how we still benefit from history’s bigotry to this day. She was not seen as human or treated as such

[xrisku]

She didnt sacrifice her life to make the cell line. JFC.