Helium: the invisible gas that powers AI, and why it’s in short supply
About this episode
The episode discusses the critical role of helium in various technologies and the implications of its global supply shortage.
Alongside the oil and gas stranded in the strait of Hormuz is another commodity vital to today’s economy: helium. It is a critical element in all kinds of areas from MRI machines to the Large Hadron Collider, and even deep-sea diving. It is also integral to the AI boom. And this isn’t the first time its fragile global supply chain has been threatened. So why is helium so useful, and what will happen if the shortage continues? Ian Sample hears from co-host Madeleine Finlay, and from Sophia Hayes, professor of chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
People in this episode
Host: Ian Sample
Guests: Madeleine Finlay, Sophia Hayes
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Washington University in St. Louis
Products: MRI machines, Large Hadron Collider
Places: strat of Hormuz
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