Skip to main content

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.

What type of cancer killed Henrietta Lacks?

About 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

More from Getting Under Our Skin