Growing and studying a certain HeLa cell culture in a laboratory environment can be a major source of information and data for applications that can benefit humanity in a variety of important ways. For those who are unfamiliar with this process, it can seem a bit daunting. Nevertheless, scientists with a relevant background and plenty of clinical experience will easily be able to study these cells to learn a great deal about their genetics and lineage. Here are a couple of common uses for this scientific process.
Testing for Diseases
Since the HeLa cell culture was the first to be grown and divided indefinitely within the laboratory, scientists have long coveted this material because of its endless uses and the depth of relevant information that it contains. Specifically, it is possible to study these cultures to identify signs of cancer and certain other diseases or illnesses that can then be used to develop treatments or predict the future of certain genetic problems.
Developing New Vaccines
Another major advancement within the scientific realm was the development of the polio vaccine during the 1950s. As with cancer treatments and other studies, such as the impact of X-rays on the human body, the use of a HeLa cell culture was central to the ability of experts to isolate polio antibodies and create an effective vaccine for the potentially deadly infection. While scientific and medical advancements require a holistic approach, it is clear that this method of studying such unique and robust cell cultures has been at the forefront of many game-changing developments.