The Immortal Cells of Henrietta Lacks. Her Unintended Gift to Humaniity

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***Trigger warning - episode discuss topics relating to cancer and medical ethics, which some listeners may find distressing***

In this episode, I try to explore the remarkable story behind HeLa cells, the first “immortal” human cell line that revolutionised modern science. Originally taken from Henrietta Lacks—a young African American mother of five—without her knowledge or consent in 1951, these cells paved the way for breakthroughs in cancer research, the polio vaccine, gene mapping, and more. Yet, the story of HeLa is also deeply intertwined with ethical questions: How were these cells obtained, and who has benefitted from their widespread use?


Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgB1IqGp8BE
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.b2ae44fd-319d-c29b-47b6-a7ab103a4435?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_ovf__pvt_aiv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_ovf__pvt_aiv-21
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Immortal-Life-Henrietta-Lacks/dp/B004M4CT4K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DTDZLRB61AWU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Gbi0Tt2uaH0pGN7K13kVC-7cXvLKKJPiQV6yulEevWUSkXqyc69shgqu9wJHvaSRfXASPmRkSJSPFl4PEbDtzG7kN8SnsEgB-BXex8qj3Qnr3w_Ihpjn65v9BrmCnUhcQ84BzxPW-_Ilg9flznaPNeOvW-DMJhmnpm91qZW9AKYgiXtcYMVlx37DmBnkTRGxlAi1XQ39unzUvWKoFz3ajECBoT66cUOLrITEtsqi2i7h0Hev6MCcbg9RZAyl8hUg.Mle9duqIu4sLRVwtzTDtZOEPWqOvUfh05jc5BbQpbmE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+immortal+life+of+henrietta+lacks&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1736298952&s=instant-video&sprefix=the+immortal+li%2Cinstant-video%2C74&sr=1-1-catcorr

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(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

Inspiring conversations with one aim to help others. In a world where we should be encouraged to use our voices I wanted people to share their unique stories to help others know they are not alone.

• No. of episodes: 74
• Latest episode: 2025-03-26
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