A Student-Led Hearing on the Use of HeLa Cells in Research

• DOI: 10.24918/cs.2021.30
• Publication Date: 2021-10-20T16:03:02Z
• Authors: Jocelyn Stearns; Kevin J. O'Donovan; Melissa Eslinger
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; 4. Education; 0305 other medical science

<p>In this role-playing case study, students will learn about the HeLa cell line and its origins while examining multiple perspectives surrounding the cell line and its uses. The goal of this case study is for students to use guided questions to analyze different points of view such as researchers, family members, center directors, and contemporary scientists. Students will assume pre-designated roles and prepare short presentations for a panel of their peers to arrive at a decision regarding the further use of HeLa cells. This case may be completed in one 75-minute lesson or over a two-hour lab period. To accomplish this, the case study is divided into three parts including: 1) individual pre-class research and homework; 2) in-class group work and sharing of information among the class; and 3) an individual written post-class reflection. Ultimately, students are expected to consider and formulate an informed perspective to address the question: Should the <em>continued use of HeLa cells be permitted in scientific research at our university?</em></p> <p><em>Primary image:&nbsp;</em>Merged brightfield and green fluorescent image of Histone H2B-Green Fluorescent Protein expressing HeLa Cell Line (Millipore Cat. # SCC117). The image highlights several phases of mitosis as well as polyploidy of HeLa cells. Scale bar = 20 &mu;m. Image Source: Dr. Kevin J. O&rsquo;Donovan, Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy.</p>