Blackburn, a Nobel Prize winner and professor at the University of California, co-discovered the enzyme that replenishes telomeres—stretches of DNA that prevent cells from premature ageing. Her work could have profound implications for fighting diseases, though this application is as yet unproven.
Further reading:
Elizabeth Blackburn profile at UCSF
Elizabeth H. Blackburn—Interview Nobel Prize interview with Blackburn.
Elizabeth Blackburn: Telomeres and TelomeraseLecture series discussing Blackburn's work in the field of telomeres.
