Briefs (09/21/06)

High school tests notion that exercise makes learning easier

By Meg McSherry… High school tests notion that exercise makes learning easier

By Meg McSherry Breslin, Chicago Tribune

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Freshmen who struggle in reading class have a new assignment this fall at Naperville Central High School: more time in the gym.

Long regarded as a leader in physical education reform, the Naperville school’s latest effort involves trying new research linking increased physical activity with academic success. A small group of students with lower reading scores take a specially designed gym class immediately before their literacy course.

The program is being closely watched nationally by leading researchers studying the impact of exercise on brain function. Among them is Harvard psychiatrist Dr. John Ratey, who includes a study of Naperville’s program in his upcoming book on exercise and the brain.

“I’ve said for years that exercise is like Miracle-Gro for the brain,” Ratey said. “But now we’re learning so much more about it, and just how much exercise causes a huge increase in the growth factors in the brain.”

Ratey said research has uncovered that exercise allows brain cells to bind together faster, making students more ready to learn.

Oxygen regeneration system causes odor, scare on space station

RIA Novosti

MOSCOW — A problem with an oxygen regeneration system caused an alarming situation Monday on the world’s sole civilian orbital station as an alarm went off, Russia’s space agency said.

It was initially feared that smoke had emerged on the International Space Station after a short circuit, but the press secretary for the Federal Space Agency played down the concerns.

“An unpleasant smell on board the ISS appeared after an oxygen regeneration system, Elektron, was activated,” Igor Panarin said.

Panarin said the system had been switched off and the situation was under control.