The immortal life of Henrietta lacks

 

The immortal life of Henrietta lacks.

 

Henrietta had a cancer.  But not any kind of cancer.  The cells from this cancer could be cultured indefinitely in a Petri dish.  Her cells were the first cells that could live outside the human body for more than a few days.

 

Her cells have been used in a wide variety of medical research.  Testing the polio vaccine.  Much cancer research.  First human cells into outer space.  Exposed to radiation.  The list goes on.

 

There are many complicated issues associated with her cells.  Henrietta was never informed that her biopsy would be used for research.  Her family was never compensated for their use.  Lawsuits have since clarified this.  When you have your blood drawn, the Dr. is free to send samples of that blood off for research.  If your blood can cure cancer, you have no right to be informed or compensated.  This is established case law.

 

Of course the reality is most cells won't cure cancer.  We will only find cells that help after looking over all the cells that don't.  That process takes an incredible amount of resources. If you want to be compensated for cells that cure cancer, then who should pay for the cells that don't?

 

 

The book also discusses the divide between science and the reality most people experience.  Science depends on collaboration and a bit of trust between strangers.  Many people however deeply mistrust other strangers and rightfully so.  So when a scientist needs the trust of a mistrusting family, things get complicated.  The scientists have problems understanding why the family won't trust them. The family will assume that they're being taken advantage of. Conflict
ensues.

How do we know when to trust an authority? Especially when he is an authority on something we have no experience with? Is he really an authority or is he trying to con me with stories I can't understand?