NewScientist posted an article on the publishing of the HeLa genome. The HeLa genome is a set of cervical cancer cells. In 1951 the cells were taken from a woman named Henrietta Lacks. The cells were collected without her consent and her descendants are now angry the genome was published saying argue that the genome may reveal genetic traits of her descendants. The HeLa cells are easily grown in labs and are the cellular equivalent of lab rats. Scientists have worked been working with these cells for decades to learn more about this cancer so they can develop new vaccines and treatments, but the family disagrees with it's publication so it has now been pulled from publication till something can hopefully be worked out with the family of Henrietta. As a woman who is at a higher risk for cervical cancer then normal this is a big deal to me. This could help many women and even myself. I really hope the family can see how many people this can help and work something out so the genome can be published again. I understand that the cells were collected without consent which was not right and the family should have been consulted before releasing the information but what's done is done and hopefully now they can work things out because this discovery has the potenially to save lives. I have had to go through a few procedures to remove cancerous cells and it is a very upsetting and scary experience and I wish it on no other women so I hope this genome can evenyually creates a cure or vaccine.
The article-
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn23330-storm-erupts-over-publishing-of-hela-genome.htmlAnother article-
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/03/26/175351289/sequencing-of-hela-genome-revives-genetic-privacy-concerns[caption id="attachment_8149" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Henrietta Lacks"]
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[caption id="attachment_8150" align="alignnone" width="308" caption="A micrograph of HeLa cells, derived from cervical cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks."]
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The thought of using someones genetic information to further study and cure a disease, to me, is a good idea. I guess ethics is the issue at stake. Hopefully the family will see that there is more good than bad to come from this.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad our privacy rights have been increased as patients. It seems horrible that the scientists collected her cells without consent, however, this wasn't really all that rare back in the times in which she was alive. I do believe that many people are way too concerned about personal privacy. I would love to be able to donate cells to science, especially if my contribution may save lives.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am happy that our privacy rights have increased, I also agree and wish that this family realizes the benefit they can have along with others for letting scientists reveal their genetic information. They do not really have anything to lose here and to me they are being somewhat selfish but it is their own right to make their own decisions and do what they please.
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