Think of the person behind the cells: the motivations of biomedical research

Born in 1920, Henrietta Lacks lived in Virginia and Maryland, worked as a tobacco farmer, and mothered five children.  At age 31, her life was unfortunately cut short by cervical cancer.  Since her death, she has helped catalyze numerous biomedical discoveries. Upon treatment at Johns Hopkins, Henrietta’s physician obtained a tumor sample.  To his amazement, her cells survived and divided in a petri dish.  Today, her cells are still used in labs around the globe.  Henrietta’s cells, or HeLa cells as they are referred, provide scientists an unlimited supply of human cells in which they can model diseases, study pathologies, and investigate new therapies.  Indeed, Jonas Salk utilized HeLa cells to help create the polio vaccine in 1955. In my research in neurology and oncology, I’ve used HeLa cells to learn about molecular mechanisms that produce illnesses.  I desire to leverage this precise knowledge to create new therapeutics.  I love my lab work.  I find it extremely exciting to uncover insights that will ultimately improve lives. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Conditions Genetics Medical school Oncology/Hematology Source Type: blogs