Comments on: Unintentional, Unwitting Heroine

By: jarvisloop

jarvisloop — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 02:57:41 +0000

Note to self: Finished.

By: J

Mon, 11 Apr 2016 21:56:00 +0000

EvilFairy- Yes, some very cool things have been done with HeLa cells; the polio vaccine exists because of HeLa; We learned what radiation does to cells, how cells behave in the vacuum of space, and what happens when you subject cells to nuclear energy because of HeLa.
HeLa has been exposed to every disease agent, prescription medications, theoretical treatments… Literally anything done in science to human tissue since the 1950’s has been done with HeLa, and every single medical advancement for humans is due in some part to HeLa cells.

There has never been another cell like it. Even when it seemed scientists cultured another “immortal” cell, it always turns out that it’s been cross contaminated with HeLa, and HeLa took over. This is why it is speculated that HeLa is now it’s own species. They are literally the most unique cells on earth.

Anyone with further interest, should read the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks… excellent look at the woman behind these amazing cells, and her descendants.

By: psyOtic

psyOtic — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 23:54:33 +0000

I think this article needs a follow up. The family may not have given permission, but they at least now get recognition

http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/36937/title/Q-A–NIH-Brokers-HeLa-Genome-Deal

By: Samillionaire

Samillionaire — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:43:57 +0000

[quote]Alchemist said: “They can be nasty cells. A guy I worked with used to handle the HeLa cells w/o gloves on. Shortly thereafter, he ended up getting an unfortunate outbreak of warts on his hands. Coincidence?”[/quote]

yes it is a coincidence… warts are caused by a virus not by cancer cells

By: Alchemist

Alchemist — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:45:03 +0000

They can be nasty cells. A guy I worked with used to handle the HeLa cells w/o gloves on. Shortly thereafter, he ended up getting an unfortunate outbreak of warts on his hands. Coincidence?

By: Kao_Valin

Kao_Valin — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:26:54 +0000

Wow that is Hela cool har har har.

By: WolfManDragon

WolfManDragon — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 18:09:55 +0000

Hmm.. Could this have been the inspiration for Deadpool??

By: karilyn

karilyn — Wed, 10 May 2006 14:01:41 +0000

he la cells are like the everyday cell to be used in most research settings, they have differnet characteristics to fresh cell namely adhesion, the rate of growth ability to take up foriegn dna. they are not normal cells because the cancer changed them in many vital areas, they are one of the best approximations of how a cell will function in the body, as fresh cells only last about a month or so (if your nice to them). hela are indistrutible and so loved by researchers.

was told recently that the lack family recieved a honor from the american acedamy of sciences. but in the 1950's a lot of messing when on the idea of informed consecent was often neglected, adoption, drug trials, operations and treatments were not discussed the patient was not really considered. at least the rights of the patient are now coming to the fore

By: Glenn

Glenn — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 23:26:51 +0000

PeteCresswell said: “‘Haystack limit’ SB ‘Hayflick limit’.

Cannot offer a citation . . .”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayflick_limit

By: PeteCresswell

PeteCresswell — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 15:29:05 +0000

'Haystack limit' SB 'Hayflick limit'.

Cannot offer a citation, but am pretty sure it is named after somebody called 'Hayflick' who discovered it.