Small polar molecules like glycerol and urea can preserve the fluidity of lipid bilayers under dry conditions
Glycerol and urea are examples of small, water-soluble molecules with low vapor pressure that can protect lipid membranes upon dehydration. Both are a part of the Natural Moisturizing Factor in human skin, and are also present in other organisms, where they prevent drying due to osmotic stress. This study was conducted in order to understand the mechanism of such protection. We have selected two t
