Future of Helium Up In The Air

A top British scientist is calling for helium balloons to be banned. Not just because there are tears every time one escapes a child’s flimsy grip, or because they induce adults to talk like Donald Duck, but because the planet will one day run out of the precious gas. Think helium and you probably think of balloons, but helium’s also a crucial ingredient in many scientific endeavours, particularly as a coolant for superconductor magnets like MRI machines.
Chemical science professor Christian Hartinger from the University of Auckland says in around 50 years’ time, we’re on track to run out of the useful gas.

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