HeLa's Life
What was Henrietta Lack's occupation when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer?
What type of cells were taken from Henrietta Lacks without her knowledge or consent?
Cervical cancer cells.
What was the name of Henrietta's daughter who later connected with Rebecca Skloot?
Deborah Lacks.
What ethical issues is central to the story of Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cells?
Lack of informed consent.
What is the title of the book written by Rebecca Skloot about Henrietta Lacks?
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
In what city and state was Henrietta Lacks born?
Roanoke, Virginia.
What is the name of the scientist who cultured Henrietta's cells, leading to the HeLa Cell line?
Which of Henrietta's sons was initially angry and suspicious about the use of HeLa cells?
Lawrence Lacks.
What is informed consent in the context of medical research?
It is the process of obtaining permission from a patient before conducting medical procedures or research.
How did Rebecca Skloot initially learn about Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells?
Through a biology class in college.
What was the name of Henrietta's husband and cousin?
David Lacks.
What does "in vitro" mean in the context of cell research?
It means "in a glass," referring to studies conducted outside of a living organism.
What did the Lacks family initially believe was the reason doctors wanted their blood samples?
They thought it was for medical treatment.
What organization did Deborah Lacks work with to advocate for patient rights and recognition of Henrietta's contribution?
The Henrietta Lacks Foundation.
How many years did Rebecca Skloot spend researching and writing "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"?
About ten years.
What was the initial reason Henrietta sought medical attention at John Hopkins?
She had a painful lump in her cervix.
What major medical breakthrough was aided by the use of HeLa cells in the 1950s?
The development of the polio vaccine.
What impact did the publicity surrounding HeLa cells have on the Lacks family's financial situation?
It did not provide them with any financial benefit.
How did the story of Henrietta Lacks contribute to changes in regulations regarding patient consent in medical research?
It raised awareness about ethical issues and led to stricter consent regulations.
What challenges did Rebecca Skloot face in gaining the trust of the Lacks family?
The family's skepticism about outsiders and their past experiences with the medical community.
What year did Henrietta Lacks pass away?
1951.
What unique characteristic of HeLa cells makes them "Immortal"?
They can divide indefinitely in laboratory conditions.
What was the name of Henrietta's son who became deeply involved in understanding his mother's legacy and the science behind HeLa cells?
What is the significance of the Henrietta Lacks Foundation?
It aims to provide support and education about ethics in medical research.
Besides "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," what other topics has Rebecca Skloot written about?
Science, ethics, and the intersection of both in society.