Tissue taken from Henrietta Lacks became the first human cells to continuously grow and reproduce in lab dishes. HeLa cells went on to become a cornerstone of modern medicine, enabling countless scientific and medical innovations.

A new film on HBO starring Oprah Winfrey tells the remarkable story of Henrietta Lacks. We revisit our conversation with the Chicago author who tells the story.

Henrietta Lacks died of cervical cancer in 1951. But her cells kept living, starting a scientific revolution and a multi-billion dollar industry. When members of her family found out, they felt angry and exploited. We revisit our recent conversation with the author of a best-selling book about the story.