Ask a Scientist [topic: HeLa cells] April 26, 2010

THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Henrietta Lacks was a poor tobacco farmer, a young mother of five who died of cervical cancer in 1951 and is now buried in an unmarked grave. Yet her cells, which have become one of the most important tools in modern medicine, are still alive today. The remarkable HeLa cells, the first human cells to live indefinitely outside the body, helped eradicate polio and develop AIDS treatments, and were vital to advances such as in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping. They've been subjected to nuclear testing, shot into space, and have helped scientists win Nobel prizes — all without the knowledge of Henrietta or her family. Science writer Rebecca Skloot tells this fascinating and dramatic story of science, bioethics, race issues, history, and family in the new book that one reviewer calls, "a science biography like the world has never seen." (I got a lump in my throat just reading the synopsis.) Come meet Rebecca and hear one of modern science's most powerful and gripping tales. Books will be available for sale at the event.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Ask a Scientist is an informative, entertaining, monthly lecture series, held at a San Francisco cafe. Each event features a speaker on a scientific topic, a short presentation, and the opportunity to ask all those burning questions that have been keeping you up at night. No tests, grades, or pressure…just food, drinks, socializing, and conversation about the universe’s most fascinating mysteries. http://www.askascientistSF.com

COST: Suggested $3 donation, and please support venue with food purchase