ssdd - 24-5-2007 at 02:50
I was reading up on HeLa cells the other day, and they are simply fascinating me and some of my peers. So I went searching for a source of them, while
I found a source the prices are outrageous and I was simply wondering if there is a cheaper way to obtain these cells?
I know that they can become a lab contaminant and contain the gene for human papillomavirus.
Any input on this would be great because I don't have the $150 to put out for a simple cell culture. 
chemoleo - 24-5-2007 at 03:00
Yes, but what would you do with them, outside a proper biochem lab?
Easiest is probably to ask someone you know from a biochem department- almost every lab will have them!
Poor HEnrietta LAcks never knew what fame she'd acquire!
Darkblade48 - 24-5-2007 at 03:05
I agree with chemoleo; working in a cell culture lab, we passage HeLa cells every so often, and the extra cells are simply thrown into the
biohazardous waste.
Perhaps you can be around when cell culture work is being done, and grab some cells from either the cell biology or biochemistry departments in your
area.
sparkgap - 24-5-2007 at 03:06
Any decently stocked biochem lab just might have these cells in a nice dish, that is true. 
chemoleo, indeed. How would she have thought that her cell samples would be passed from generation to generation for scientific pursuits? And her
estate has never made a single cent off it too, IIRC. 
sparky (~_~)
ssdd - 24-5-2007 at 07:51
Hmmm, the mission goes on... to find someone I know in a biochem dept. 
Anyways, thanks for the input. These things are simply facinating, talk about someone litterally having eternal life.