The immortal cells of Henrietta Lacks - Robin Bulleri
5,870,874 Views
70,427 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
Imagine something small enough to float on a particle of dust that holds the keys to understanding cancer, virology, and genetics. Luckily for us, such a thing exists in the form of trillions upon trillions of human, lab-grown cells called HeLa. But where did we get these cells? Robin Bulleri tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose DNA led to countless cures, patents, and discoveries.
Why is it so important for scientists to have a tool like HeLa cells in order to study human disease?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Robin Bulleri
- Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
- Animator Brandon Denmark
- Narrator Pen-Pen Chen
