History Archives

Dr. George Gey: The Researcher Who Immortalized HeLa Cells

How did HeLa cells become such an important part of scientific development and discoveries? Who was the doctor that turned the tissue from Henrietta Lacks into the HeLa cells? What did Dr. George Gey gain from his efforts? George Otto Gey was a tissue researcher at Johns Hopkins when Henrietta Lacks was a patient. He made a deal with Lacks’ surgeon to use her tissue to make lasting cells. Learn more about Dr. George Gey, HeLa, and how his discovery impacted his life.

Edward Snowden: Ecuador Said No to Asylum Request

What was Snowdens plan for after he leaked the secret NSA documents? If What county made the most sense for asylum seekers? For Edward Snowden, Ecuador was the best choice. Ecuador is a nation that does not have the best diplomatic relationship with the US. The country has previously sheltered Julian Assange instead of allowing him to be extradited. Learn more about Edward Snowden, Ecuador as a possible destination, and what went wrong.

How Did Enron Get Caught? Here’s the Full Story

How did Enron get caught? And what happened when they did? The question “how did Enron get caught” is a fraught one, partly because much of what Enron did wasn’t technically illegal. To understand how Enron got caught, you need to consider their market manipulations and the way they prioritized appearances over actual profits.

Henrietta Lacks’ Medical Records Show the Lack of Privacy

How were journalists able to view Henrietta Lacks’ medical records? What was the status of medical confidentiality and the privacy of patients? How did Henrietta’s family feel about Rebecca Skloot looking at her records? Patient records were not always confidential under federal law, even when codes of ethics required privacy. Henrietta Lacks’ medical records were viewed by her family as well other journalists. Read about the lack of privacy and Skloot’s reading of Henrietta Lacks’ medical records with Deborah’s permission.

Immortal Cells: Scientific and Spiritual Reasons for HeLa

How can a cell be immortal? What is it about Henrietta Lacks’ cells that made them able to stay alive? How did the HeLa cell line revolutionize research but kill Henrietta Lacks? The immortal cells are cells taken from Henrietta Lacks that do not die in the laboratory. The cells continue to reproduce indefinitely, which is why the HeLa cell line is still in use today. Read more about the immortal cells that are laboratory versions of Henrietta Lacks’ cells.

Bobbette Lacks Never Knew Her Mother-in-Law, Henrietta Lacks

Who was Bobbette Cooper Lacks? How did the death of Henrietta Lacks affect Bobbette and her relationship with Lawrence? How did Bobbette Lacks help the younger Lackses? Bobbette Lacks is the wife of Lawrence Lacks, son of the late Henrietta Lacks. Bobbette took in Lawrence’s younger siblings who were living in an abusive home after their mother’s death. Learn more about Bobbette Lacks and her perspective on Henrietta’s treatment.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Timeline of Events

What happened during the life of Henrietta Lacks? What was the aftermath of the collection and use of her cells? What is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks timeline of key events from the book? The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells the story of a woman whose cells were taken without permission and continue to be used for profit. This Henrietta Lacks timeline explains what happened to Henrietta Lacks and her cells. Learn more about the aftermath of her death and getting recognition for her contribution to science in the Henrietta Lacks timeline.

Johnny Pleasant: The Widowed Father of Henrietta Lacks

Who was the father of Henrietta Lacks? How did John Randall Pleasant handle his large family after his wife died? Why did Johnny Pleasant move the family away from Roanoke? Johnny Pleasant was the father of Henrietta Lacks and her nine siblings. His family lived on the Lacks family tobacco farm near Clover, Virginia. Learn about Johnny Pleasant and his large extended family.

Roland Pattillo: The Doctor Behind Henrietta Lacks Day

Why does the city of Atlanta have a Henrietta Lacks Day? Who is the doctor that advocated for that recognition? Where is Dr. Roland Pattillo now? Roland Pattillo is a gynecologist that organized the first HeLa conference. He was also one of the few African-American students that studied under the doctor that responsible for the spread of HeLa cell cultures. Learn more about Roland Pattillo and his efforts to recognize Henrietta Lacks.

Rebecca Skloot: Introduced to HeLa Cells in High School

Who is author Rebecca Skloot? Where did she get the idea for her book about Henrietta Lacks? How did Skloot research and write the book that went on to become an HBO miniseries? Rebecca Skloot is the author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. She studied biology in college and became a science reporter before writing the book. Learn about author Rebecca Skloot and what sparked her interest in Henrietta Lacks and her amazing cells.