Radiolab The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
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Feb 21, 2025 Rebecca Skloot, author of 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,' dives into the profound legacy of Henrietta, who unknowingly contributed to medical breakthroughs through her HeLa cells. The conversation highlights Henrietta's life and the ethical dilemmas surrounding her cells, which were used without consent. Skloot also explores themes of identity, ownership in scientific research, and the emotional journeys of Henrietta's family as they advocate for recognition and privacy in the face of their mother's lasting impact on medicine.
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Henrietta's Tumor
- In 1950s Baltimore, a Black woman discovered a knot in her womb.
- Doctors at Johns Hopkins described her cervical tumor as unusual: purple, shiny, and soft like jelly.
HeLa Cells' Birth
- Doctors gave a sample of Henrietta's tumor to George Guy, who was trying to grow human cells in a dish.
- Unexpectedly, Henrietta's cells, later named HeLa, thrived and multiplied, unlike any cells before.
HeLa's Immortality
- While Henrietta tragically died from her cancer, her cells continued to grow exponentially in the lab.
- George Guy then sent Mary Kubitschek to the morgue to get more samples from Henrietta's body.
