Immortal Cells Turn 96

Henrietta Lacks, a poor tobacco farmer, unknowingly contributed to one of the greatest medical breakthroughs. Her cells, known as HeLa cells, were taken without consent in 1951 and became the first immortal cell line. These cells have been crucial in scientific research, aiding in the development of vaccines and treatments for various diseases. Despite their cancerous nature, HeLa cells behave like normal cells, making them invaluable for studying viruses and other biological processes. In 2013, researchers discovered that a part of the HPV genome combined with Lacks's genome, explaining the cells' unique properties.

How have HeLa cells contributed to vaccine development, particularly for polio?

What was discovered about the genetic makeup of HeLa cells in 2013?