2. Make a well-developed description of a research use for HeLa cells.
Even though HeLa cells were taken from Lacks without her consent, a lot of scientific discoveries and advancements were made through them. For over 10 years HeLa cells have provided important biological models for human research or disease. The cells are considered as the "industry standard" tool for studying human biology. Studies based on HeLa cells have led to 2 Nobel Prizes and improvements in areas such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and a vaccine for polio. In 1952 researcher Jonas Salk created the vaccine and used HeLa cells as a part of the testing process. One can say the cells saved millions of lives. Also HeLa cells are being used to help stop the spread of cancer cells and test medications for Parkinson's Disease.
At first, HeLa cells were developed for cancer research but that was just the start. After experimenting with them, scientists created a new field of study called virology. Genetic medicine might not have been created without the help of HeLa cells. In 1960 they were fused with a mouse embryo to make the first hybrid cell, which later helped scientists start the process of mapping the human genome. Lastly HeLa cells also helped in studying tuberculosis, HIV and HPV, and created a vaccine for HPV. In conclusion, HeLa cells influenced the vaccines and medications that are still used today.
Even though HeLa cells were taken from Lacks without her consent, a lot of scientific discoveries and advancements were made through them. For over 10 years HeLa cells have provided important biological models for human research or disease. The cells are considered as the "industry standard" tool for studying human biology. Studies based on HeLa cells have led to 2 Nobel Prizes and improvements in areas such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and a vaccine for polio. In 1952 researcher Jonas Salk created the vaccine and used HeLa cells as a part of the testing process. One can say the cells saved millions of lives. Also HeLa cells are being used to help stop the spread of cancer cells and test medications for Parkinson's Disease.
At first, HeLa cells were developed for cancer research but that was just the start. After experimenting with them, scientists created a new field of study called virology. Genetic medicine might not have been created without the help of HeLa cells. In 1960 they were fused with a mouse embryo to make the first hybrid cell, which later helped scientists start the process of mapping the human genome. Lastly HeLa cells also helped in studying tuberculosis, HIV and HPV, and created a vaccine for HPV. In conclusion, HeLa cells influenced the vaccines and medications that are still used today.
We really liked how you went into specific details on how Hela Cells have made a significant contribution to the medical field. The organization and details make the post very easy to follow. Although you are very informative, it never hurts to include how universities today are using Hela cells ( John Hopkins being a major promoter). Overall, loved reading the entry and we would have to agree that these cells have in fact saved hundreds of lives!
ReplyDeleteWhat was once thought of as cancerous cells turned the science world upside down. This is a good starting point in revealing the amazing story of HeLa cells. Some amazing discoveries in science was really not intended the way it was discovered, right?
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