HeLa cells

HeLa cells are a type of human cell line that were taken from a woman named Henrietta Lacks in 1951, without her knowledge or consent. These cells are unique because they can grow and multiply indefinitely in the lab, making them invaluable for medical research. They have contributed to many groundbreaking discoveries, including advancements in cancer treatment, vaccines, and cell biology. HeLa cells raised important ethical questions about consent and the rights of patients, leading to ongoing discussions about medical ethics and the treatment of human tissues in research.