logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2020
13m 24s

The World Is Constantly Running Out Of H...

NPR
About this episode
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 rocket ships, MRI machines, and birthday parties.

Read more of Geoff's reporting on helium here.

Email the show at shortwave@npr.org.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy
Up next
Today
Nature Quest: What Does Climate Change Sound Like?
Feel like summers are hotter than they used to be? It’s not just your imagination. Climate researchers say that average annual temperatures around the country have been trending upwards for the past 50 years — and are still on the rise. But it can be hard to represent those numbe ... Show More
13m 31s
Yesterday
Sea Camp: To Mine Or Not To Mine
Deep sea mining for rare earth elements could start as early as 2026, even as 38 countries have called for a moratorium on it. The metals that companies are targeting are used in many green technologies like electric cars and wind turbines – but mining them is destructive to the ... Show More
13m 17s
Aug 22
Could labs replace your natural chocolate?
Chocolate may fill grocery store shelves around the world, but the raw product that powers chocolate is far more selective. The majority of chocolate farms are found in West Africa and South America – just 20 degrees north or south of the equator. Each farm produces chocolate of ... Show More
8m 50s
Recommended Episodes
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
Apr 2021
Qu’est-ce que l’hélium 3 ?
Qu’est-ce que l’hélium 3 ? Merci d’avoir posé la question ! L’hélium 3 est un gaz un peu spécial : il peut produire de gigantesques quantités d’énergie. Problème : on en trouve très peu sur Terre. C’est pourquoi certains Etats et entreprises sont prêts à aller le chercher… sur la ... Show More
4m 21s
Dec 2021
Mood and the magic ion
It’s the lightest metal on the periodic table. Its origins lie in the very beginnings of our universe. And it's taken, in the form of a pill, by thousands of Australians every day. Join us as we dive deep into the story of this wonder element lithium — the magic ion, as it's some ... Show More
29m 8s
Sep 2022
How Does Gallium Work?
Gallium is super rare, really useful in LEDs and smartphones, and will melt in your hand -- but won't boil until it hits 4000 degrees Fahrenheit. Learn more in this episode of BrainStuff, based on this article: https://science.howstuffworks.com/gallium.htmSee omnystudio.com/liste ... Show More
8m 9s
Apr 2023
S26E51: Deep Space Mysteries and Earthly Explosions: Latest Astronomy and Space News
In this episode, we explore some of the latest developments in astronomy and space news: Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) from deep space continue to mystify astronomers with their sudden bursts of energy. Last year's Tongan volcanic explosion was confirmed to be the largest natural expl ... Show More
24m 45s
Jan 2018
1. Hydrogen: Close To The Sun
As we investigate our first element, we'll meet warring balloonists, witness mass media's first major tragedy, and see how the tiniest mistake can cost a lot of money. Plus, we'll try to pin down where hydrogen belongs on the periodic table. 
27m 22s
Jul 2022
A View of the Beginning of Time
Ancient galaxies carpeting the sky like jewels on black velvet. Fledgling stars shining out from deep within cumulus clouds of interstellar dust. Hints of water vapor in the atmosphere of a remote exoplanet.This week, NASA released new images captured from a point in space one mi ... Show More
29m 15s