HeLa

HeLa refers to a line of cells derived from Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cervical cancer cells were taken without her permission in 1951. These cells are unique because they can grow indefinitely in a lab, making them invaluable for medical research, including vaccine development and cancer studies. The HeLa cell line has contributed significantly to scientific advancement but also raised important ethical questions about patient consent and rights. Today, HeLa cells are widely used in laboratories worldwide, helping researchers understand diseases and develop treatments.