Blobel, Gunter (1936-...), is a German-born biologist who is conducting important research on the movement of proteins within the cells of living organisms. His research helps explain the molecular basis of certain diseases, including cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's disease, and some cancers. The work could lead to new treatments for these diseases. For this research, Blobel was awarded the 1999 Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine.