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Modern cancer research owes a great deal to one African-American woman and her immortal cancer cells. Her name was Henrietta Lacks . After her untimely death from cervical cancer at just 31 years old in 1951, doctors discovered that unlike other cancer cells, hers would live on when cultured and fed. Don't be fatalistic about cancer, there are options © MisBeee Writes  The cells were named HeLa after her and became the first immortal human cell line.  This cell line has since formed the basis of modern-day cancer research and disease prevention advancements into the polio vaccine and AIDS. It should be noted that these cells were taken from Henrietta without her consent. It was only 20 years after her death, when a researcher contacted her family to check their predisposition to the disease, did the family discover the ethical indiscretion. As we approach Black History Month , I find it interesting that despite the instrumental, albeit u...

Today, I learnt that my hair is heliotrichous - very curly – for those of you not in the know. I also learnt that the use of the afro comb dates back 6,000 years and engenders extraordinary symbolism. Unknown model with beautifully intricate hair style   ©  Northcote W. Thomas circa 1910 For example, in my country of origin – Ghana – the dua’afe (wooden comb) is linked to femininity and beauty.  In Egypt, women would often cover their hair with wigs to ‘protect’ their womanhood as it was linked to fecundity. It also defined their social status. It appears that Egyptians modelled their hairstyles on their Nubian neighbours and much of the stylings that we see today can be traced back to Sudan, Madagascar, Nigeria as well as other ancient African kingdoms. This information was just a snapshot of what I gleaned from a small but hugely inspiring exhibition on the humble afro comb in the heart of Cambridge, England.  The free exhibi...