Conversations 20th Anniversary Collection: the story of the unwitting woman behind cell research and 'immortality'
Aug 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Rebecca Skloot, a renowned science writer known for her groundbreaking book on Henrietta Lacks, dives into the fascinating legacy of HeLa cells. She reveals how these immortal cells, taken without consent, revolutionized medical research, sparking deep ethical conversations. Skloot shares the emotional journey of the Lacks family, grappling with their connection to science and the disparity between biotech profits and their struggles. The narrative underscores Henrietta's impact and the broader themes of race and medical ethics in America.
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Henrietta's Cells Achieve Immortality
- Henrietta Lacks' cells became the first immortal human cells for research without her knowledge.
- These cells have transformed medicine while raising ethical issues about consent and exploitation.
Family Believed Cells Were Her Soul
- Henrietta's family thought her soul lived in her immortal cells, not understanding the science.
- Rebecca Skloot spent a year and a half earning their trust to tell their story.
Cells Grew Like 'Fried Egg Yolk'
- Henrietta's cancer cells grew uncontrollably outside and inside her body.
- Their rapid division was unlike anything scientists had seen before.
