logo
episode-header-image
May 2023
7m 54s

Should We Care About the Finite Supply o...

LiSTNR
About this episode

Helium is the only truly non-renewable resource, and it's essential for things like MRI machines and nuclear reactors, but should we be worried? And, we turn air into food, so why can’t we get carbon to leave the atmosphere – or helium to stay? In this episode, Cosmos Science Journalist Ellen Phiddian dives into the gassy soup that surrounds Earth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Apr 2023
People are Seriously becoming Friends with their Robotic Vacuums
Are you ready to Roomba? Since its launch, more than 40 million autonomous vacuums have made their way into people’s homes, and often – as the research reveals – into people’s hearts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
11m 27s
Apr 2023
Forget Elephants and Giraffes: The True King of Bigness Will Shock You!
Cosmos science journalist, Evrim Yazgin, is here to settle the question on every toddler’s lips: what’s the biggest animal? The answer will definitely surprise you!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
6m 48s
Apr 2023
Could a Zombie Apocalypse like 'The Last of Us' Happen in Reality?
The zombie fungus from the Last of Us is real, but it's not even the only example of zombification in nature! All kind of both weird and terrifying parasites exist in spiders, wasps and even your pet cat! Imma Perfetto is a journalist at Cosmos Magazine and has a Bachelor of scie ... Show More
10m 17s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
The $1,000 balloon
Helium is full of contradictions. It’s the second most abundant element in the universe, but is relatively rare on Earth. It’s non-reactive, totally inert—yet the most valuable helium isotope is sourced from thermonuclear warheads. And even though we treat it as a disposable gas, ... Show More
40m 8s
Jun 2020
Helium
Andrea Sella, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at University College London, celebrates the art and science of the chemical elements. Today he looks at helium. Helium is a finite resource here on Earth and many branches of science need it. Doctors need it to run MRI machines to d ... Show More
26m 29s
Jun 2020
The World Is Constantly Running Out Of Helium
Encore episode. Helium is the second-most common element in the cosmos, but it's far rarer on planet Earth. As part of our celebration of the periodic table's 150th birthday, correspondent Geoff Brumfiel shares a brief history of helium's ascent, to become a crucial part of rocke ... Show More
13m 24s
Dec 2024
Do we have enough fuel for fusion?
Daniel and Kelly talk about the surprisingly difficult task of finding the fuel to make fusion work on EarthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
55m 1s
Oct 2019
S1E2 - Episode #2 - Oxygen
This week Fergus, Carys and Joe discuss oxygen, the third most abundant element in the universe by mass. Listen to find out about oxygen bars, fire and the ozone layer! Plus a look at science "In The News", the return of "Science Fact or Science Fiction?" and a new game called "S ... Show More
28m 20s
Nov 2017
When will the Earth become uninhabitable?
<p>Earth is our home, but how much longer can it remain so? In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast, Robert and Christian explore the many threats to terrestrial habitability, from the cosmically distant to the frighteningly close at hand.</p><p> </p> Learn more ab ... Show More
1h 2m
Mar 2018
Life Beyond The Shield
<p>Life on Earth depends on the planet’s natural shielding, otherwise solar and cosmic radiation would ravage our small blue world. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, sponsored by the National Geographic Channel’s series 'One Strange Rock,' Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick ... Show More
53m 40s
Nov 2018
Heigh-Ho Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most plentiful substance in the universe. Could it also be the fuel of the future? In this episode, we look at the challenges and opportunities related to a hydrogen economy. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.co ... Show More
36m 7s
Aug 2023
Hydrogen: fuel or folly?
This week, we're turning to the subject of hydrogen and its potential to play a role as a cleaner fuel in future. Could hydrogen be the answer to our energy conundrum? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists 
29m 33s
Mar 2025
Malthusian Swerve
<p>Earth can sustain life for another 100 million years, but can we?<br /><br />In this episode, we partnered with the team at <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/money/">Planet Money</a> to take stock of the essential raw materials that enable us to live as we do here on Earth ... Show More
38m 58s