1) Mitochondrial membrane potential probes and the proton gradient: a practical usage guide, BioTechniques 50, 98-115 (Feb. 2011). www.BioTechniques.com

• This article describes fluorescent probes for monitoring mitochondrial membrane potential. The authors provide an overview of important technical considerations, controls, and parallel complementary assays that can be employed to ensure appropriate interpretation of results.

2) Completely phased genome sequencing through chromosome sorting, H. Yang, et al, PNAS, 108, 12-17 (Jan. 4, 2011). www.pnas.org

• By sorting single chromosomes of a single chromosome type, the authors demonstrate how they can reconstruct the paternal and maternal haploid genome sequences separately.