A nearby long gamma-ray burst from a merger of compact objects.

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are flashes of high-energy radiation arising from energetic cosmic explosions. Bursts of long (greater than two seconds) duration are produced by the core-collapse of massive stars1, and those of short (less than two seconds) duration by the merger of compact objects, such as two neutron stars2. A third class of events with hybrid high-energy properties was identified3, but never conclusively linked to a stellar progenitor. The lack of bright supernovae rules out typical core-collapse explosions4-6, but their distance scales prevent sensitive searches for direct signatures of a progenitor system. Only tentative evidence for a kilonova has been presented7,8. Here we report observations of the exceptionally bright GRB 211211A, which classify it as a hybrid event and constrain its distance scale to only 346 megaparsecs. Our measurements indicate that its lower-energy (from ultraviolet to near-infrared) counterpart is powered by a luminous (approximately 1042 erg per second) kilonova possibly formed in the ejecta of a compact object merger.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in eating disorders: caution against premature acceptance.

OBJECTIVE: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has been claimed effective in the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric disorders, including eating disorders. An informal survey suggests that EMDR is now widely offered to patients with eating disorders. Before accepting a new therapy such as EMDR, one must determine that its benefits outweigh its adverse effects. This paper reviews the literature in an attempt to assess the benefits and risks of the use of EMDR in the treatment of eating disorders. METHOD: We reviewed the literature on the use of EMDR to treat eating disorders and other conditions. RESULTS: Looking at the question of its benefits, we were unable to find any methodologically sound studies that have shown efficacy for EMDR in eating disorders, or, indeed, any psychiatric disorder. We were also unable to find a sound theoretical basis for expecting EMDR to be effective. In addition, EMDR may have adverse effects. First, EMDR is sometimes used in conjunction with efforts to "recover" memories of traumatic events. But "recovered memory" therapy may carry a risk of inducing potentially harmful false memories. Second, use of EMDR may prevent or delay other therapies of established efficacy for eating disorders, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants. DISCUSSION: In light of the findings of our review, the risk/benefit ratio of EMDR does not as yet encourage its widespread acceptance.