Big-bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) theory, together with the precise WMAP cosmic baryon density, makes tight predictions for the abundances of the lightest elements.
Deuterium and 4He measurements agree well with expectations, but 7Li observations lie a factor 3 - 4 below the BBN+WMAP prediction. This 4 - 5 mismatch constitutes the cosmic "lithium problem," with disparate solutions possible. (1) Astrophysical systematics in the observations could exist but are increasingly constrained. (2) Nuclear physics experiments provide a wealth of well-measured cross-section data, but 7Be destruction could be enhanced by unknown or poorly-measured resonances. Physics beyond the Standard Model can alter the 7Li abundance, though D and 4He must remain unperturbed; Physics is inventing outlandish theories for this puzzle including decaying Super symmetric particles and time-varying fundamental constants. Present and planned experiments could reveal which (if any) of these is the solution to the problem. Why dose's Astrophysics consider LENR??? Because they have a closed mind toward LENR! http://sait.oat.ts.astro.it/MSAIt780307/PDF/2007MmSAI..78..476G.pdf The electron screening of lithium nuclear reactions are as high as 17.4 MeV. Clearly, LENR is why there is a "Lithium Problem" ,but if science can't believe that, "Lithium Problem" will always remains a comic mystery. http://www.newscientist.com/special/13-more-things
