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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Radiolab

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The Legacy of HeLa Cells

This chapter narrates the poignant story of a black woman in 1950s Baltimore who, after discovering her cancer, becomes the unwitting source of groundbreaking HeLa cells used in medical research. It highlights the initial skepticism and eventual success of culturing her cells, which played a crucial role in vaccine development and various scientific advancements. The chapter underscores the ethical implications of using her cells and their transformative impact on the landscape of biomedical research.

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