Nearly 50 years ago, UW cell and molecular biologist/human geneticist Stanley M. Gartler unsettled the scientific community by presenting evidence that cell lines thought to be unique had been contaminated.
The culprit: HeLa cells.
This year, WSU freshmen are using the book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” as their Common Reading. HeLa cells originated with Ms. Lacks, who died in 1951 at age 31 of cervical cancer. Cells taken from her were grown in labs and proved to be an “immortal cell line.” The book brings to light issues of race, gender, medical ethics, economics, and much more.
Please join the Common Reading Program for Dr. Gartler’s presentation:
Monday, Oct. 29
3 p.m., CUB Junior Ballroom
Reception following with light refreshments
The Common Reading Program extends its gratitude to Terry Hassold, School of Molecular Biology, for arranging Dr. Gartler’s visit to WSU.