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Feb. 12, 2010
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
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| Medical researchers often use cells known as HeLa cells in their work. The 'immortal cells' are used to study cancer, aging, AIDS, and more. The name HeLa is a shortening of the name Henrietta Lacks -- a woman whose cervical cancer cells were used to create this research cell line, without her knowledge or permission. In this segment, Ira talks with author Rebecca Skloot about 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,' a tale of biology and medical ethics. |
Produced by Christopher Intagliata, Associate Senior Producer
Guests
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Rebecca Skloot
Author, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" (Crown, 2010)
Science Writer
Memphis, Tennessee
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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
by Rebecca Skloot
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