A prominent cell biologist described how he uses the unusual and powerful cells, called HeLa cells, in relation to SMU’s Common Reading for freshman students, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot.
O’Donnell Lecture Hall was a packed house as Dr. Joel Goodman, professor of pharmacology at UT Southwestern, discussed the fundamental questions he often asks himself as a cell biologist, such as: How do we react to change? Why do we sleep? What are the causes of diseases? Why do we die?
“HeLa cells can answer many of these questions,” Goodman said.
Wednesday evening’s event, “HeLa Cells Up Close,” was the first in a series of three lectures for SMU’s Gartner Honors Lecture Series that features experts discussing topics relevant to the common reading selection.
The work of non-fiction discusses the life of Henrietta Lacks, a poor tobacco farmer who died at age 31 of cervical cancer in 1951. The cells from her tumor were taken without her knowledge and are still alive today. HeLa cells have played a crucial role in many scientific discoveries including the development of the polio vaccine and uncovering cancer secrets.
HeLa Cells Matter
Goodman explained the importance of HeLa cells through several cell movies that depicted their movement and separation. Through one video he showed the audience HeLa cell division and how it is being used in studies to cure cancer.
These videos were one of the student’s favorite parts of the evening.
“I personally thought it was fascinating to see how the cells divide,” said Faith Michael , first-year biochemistry.
Goodman also showed videos of his colleagues speaking about why HeLa cells are extremely useful and important to their studies.
“They’re reliable, they’re cheap, and they grow like mad,” Elliot Ross, professor of pharmacology , said in the video.
Series Discusses Ethical Implications
During the Q-and-A portion of the evening, several students asked Goodman if he thought Henrietta’s family should have received more information in regard to the way her cells were taken.
“The family deserved better than what they got,” Goodman said.
Dr. Diana Grumbles chairs the committee that selects the book and said via email that she was particularly excited about this choice. Grumbles said that because the lectures cover the medical, legal and ethical implications of the Henrietta Lacks case, they will appeal to a wide variety of students.
“I thought it was really fascinating,” Emily Kettlewell,freshman communications and Spanish major, said. “Especially hearing about why her cells are so valuable to science.”
The following lectures will be held on Sept. 14 and 21. The speakers will continue to discuss the different aspects of Henrietta Lacks’ cells and their affects on society.
