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Henrietta's cells helped develop the polio vaccine from "summary" of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Henrietta's cells played a crucial role in the development of the polio vaccine. It all started when researchers discovered that her cells could thrive and multiply outside the human body, unlike any other cells they had encountered before. This discovery was groundbreaking because it meant that scientists could now conduct experiments and tests on human cells in a way that was previously impossible. One of the first major breakthroughs that came from studying Henrietta's cells was the creation of the first immortal cell line, known as HeLa cells. These cells were used in countless experiments and research projects, including the quest to find a vaccine for polio. Scientists were able to grow large quantities of HeLa cells in a short amount of time, which allowed them to conduct experiments at a much faster pace than ever before. Dr. Jonas Salk, the scientist credited with developing the polio vaccine, was one of the many researchers who benefited from Henrietta's cells. He used HeLa cells to test the effectiveness of the vaccine before conducting human trials. The success of these experiments paved the way for the widespread distribution of the polio vaccine, ultimately leading to the eradication of the disease in many parts of the world. Henrietta's unwitting contribution to science and medicine highlights the complex ethical issues surrounding the use of human cells in research. Her story raises important questions about consent, ownership, and the commercialization of biological materials. Despite the controversies that surround her legacy, there is no denying the profound impact that Henrietta's cells have had on modern medicine. The development of the polio vaccine is just one example of how her cells have revolutionized the field of biomedical research.
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