128
Family of Henrietta Lacks, whose HeLa cells uphold medicine, settles with biotech company (apnews.com)
submitted 1 year ago by Griseowulfin@beehaw.org to c/science@beehaw.org
12 comments fedilink hide all child comments

HeLa cells have changed the field of medicine and have led to multitudes of life saving innovations. Unfortunately, the donor, Henrietta Lacks, did not consent to the harvesting of the cell line, and until now, her and her family have not received compensation from companies that profited from products tested and designed with the HeLa cell line. Her family reached a settlement with the company that maintains the cell line for the industry.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] Senex@reddthat.com 4 points 1 year ago

I've never heard of her. Thanks for posting this. Glad her family is getting what is due them!

[-] FlyboyM@lemmy.fmhy.net 3 points 1 year ago

I actually just learned of her earlier this year. If you want more info then check out these two Youtube vids which goes more into her life and why these cells are so important. They also explain the controversy behind the acquisition and use of these cells. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU5uCiV0MyQ & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22lGbAVWhro

[-] nevemsenki@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago

To be honest, they are not really due any more than Walt Disney benefitting the copyright for infinity after an author's death. But I guess as long as WD keeps getting money, so can they.

[-] FlyboyM@lemmy.fmhy.net 14 points 1 year ago

I think they are owed something. These cells were taken without her knowledge, consent, or compensation. Even the family was unaware of what happened for a period of time while companies made millions from this.

this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2023
128 points (100.0% liked)

Science

13006 readers
16 users here now

Studies, research findings, and interesting tidbits from the ever-expanding scientific world.

Subcommunities on Beehaw:

Be sure to also check out these other Fediverse science communities:

This community's icon was made by Aaron Schneider, under the CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
alyaza@beehaw.org
Gaywallet@beehaw.org
remington@beehaw.org