HELA cells, named after Henrietta Lacks, are a line of immortal human cells that have been used in countless scientific research studies since they were first discovered in 1951. These cells were taken from Henrietta Lacks without her knowledge or consent, yet they have proven to be invaluable in advancing our understanding of diseases such as cancer, HIV, and Parkinson’s.

Henrietta Lacks was a black woman who died of cervical cancer at the age of 31, but her cells live on indefinitely in laboratories around the world. While the discovery of HELA cells has led to numerous medical breakthroughs, it has also raised important ethical questions about consent and patient rights.

Despite these ethical concerns, the HELA cell line remains an essential tool in the field of biomedical research. Scientists continue to study these immortal cells in the hopes of unlocking new cures and treatments for a wide range of diseases. Henrietta Lacks may have passed away over half a century ago, but her legacy continues to shape the future of medicine.#3#