Academic Year 2012-2013

Location

Alvin Sherman Library, Second Floor Gallery

Start Date

4-4-2013 12:00 PM

End Date

4-4-2013 1:00 PM

Disciplines

Biology | Cancer Biology | Medical Cell Biology | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience

Description

One of the most famous examples of cell lines surviving long after a person has died comes from a tumor found in the body of Henrietta Lacks, who died of cervical cancer in 1950. The study of approximately 50 million tons of her cells, which would conservatively equal the amount of cells in one billion people, has resulted in nearly 11,000 patents, including the polio vaccine. These cells have become a focus of public attention since Rebecca Skloot’s 2010 book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. This talk will discuss what happens to cells once they leave our bodies, especially when we have samples taken as part of medical procedures.

COinS
 
Apr 4th, 12:00 PM Apr 4th, 1:00 PM

Cellular Life Beyond an Individual’s Death

Alvin Sherman Library, Second Floor Gallery

One of the most famous examples of cell lines surviving long after a person has died comes from a tumor found in the body of Henrietta Lacks, who died of cervical cancer in 1950. The study of approximately 50 million tons of her cells, which would conservatively equal the amount of cells in one billion people, has resulted in nearly 11,000 patents, including the polio vaccine. These cells have become a focus of public attention since Rebecca Skloot’s 2010 book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. This talk will discuss what happens to cells once they leave our bodies, especially when we have samples taken as part of medical procedures.