A radio counterpart to a neutron star merger

Gravitational waves have been detected from a binary neutron star merger event, GW170817. The detection of electromagnetic radiation from the same source has shown that the merger occurred in the outskirts of the galaxy NGC 4993, at a distance of 40 megaparsecs from Earth. We report the detection of a counterpart radio source that appears 16 days after the event, allowing us to diagnose the energetics and environment of the merger. The observed radio emission can be explained by either a collimated ultrarelativistic jet, viewed off-axis, or a cocoon of mildly relativistic ejecta. Within 100 days of the merger, the radio light curves will enable observers to distinguish between these models, and the angular velocity and geometry of the debris will be directly measurable by very long baseline interferometry.

Illuminating gravitational waves: A concordant picture of photons from a neutron star merger

Merging neutron stars offer an excellent laboratory for simultaneously studying strong-field gravity and matter in extreme environments. We establish the physical association of an electromagnetic counterpart (EM170817) with gravitational waves (GW170817) detected from merging neutron stars. By synthesizing a panchromatic data set, we demonstrate that merging neutron stars are a long-sought production site forging heavy elements by r-process nucleosynthesis. The weak gamma rays seen in EM170817 are dissimilar to classical short gamma-ray bursts with ultrarelativistic jets. Instead, we suggest that breakout of a wide-angle, mildly relativistic cocoon engulfing the jet explains the low-luminosity gamma rays, the high-luminosity ultraviolet-optical-infrared, and the delayed radio and x-ray emission. We posit that all neutron star mergers may lead to a wide-angle cocoon breakout, sometimes accompanied by a successful jet and sometimes by a choked jet.

Biological and clinical consequences of NPM1 mutations in AML

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by accumulation of myeloid cells in the bone marrow because of impaired differentiation and proliferation, resulting in hematopoietic insufficiency. NPM1 is one of the most commonly mutated genes in AML, present in 20-30% of cases. Mutations in NPM1 represent a distinct entity in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and commonly indicate a better risk prognosis. In this review, we discuss the many functions of NPM1, the consequence of mutations in NPM1 and possible mechanisms through which mutations lead to leukemogenesis. We also discuss clinical consequences of mutations, associated gene expression patterns and the role of NPM1 mutations in informing prognosis and therapeutic decisions and predicting relapse in AML.

How does psychoeducation help? A review of the effects of providing information about Tourette syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Tourette syndrome (TS) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders that often co-occur. They are both stigmatized and misunderstood conditions. This review critically appraises studies examining interventions using psychoeducational approaches in TS and ADHD. Studies examining the impact of providing educational information (or diagnostic label) about TS and ADHD to parents, teachers and peers (child and adult) were identified by searching relevant electronic databases, reference lists and citations, and consulting colleagues. Twenty-two studies were identified, 20 of which involved teachers or peers. The studies indicate that providing educational information increases knowledge, positive attitudes and behaviours towards individuals with TS and ADHD. Provision of a diagnostic label alone appears insufficient. Parental education may improve treatment enrolment and adherence. While the findings are encouraging, there are a number of gaps in the literature. These include the effects of giving information to parents, whether changes are maintained over time, or are generalizable to the population. Studies are needed to investigate the optimal way to present educational information in everyday contexts in order to improve the lives of those with TS and ADHD.