72. Helium

It’s unreactive, lighter than air, and surprisingly important to the global economy. Zachary Crockett goes up an octave. SOURCES:Sophia Hayes, professor of chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis.Phil Kornbluth, president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting.Bo Sears, C.E.O. of Helix Exploration PLC. RESOURCES:"Why Semiconductor Growth Will Drive Helium Demand," by Kitty Wheeler (Technology Magazine, 2024)."The World Is Running Out of Helium. Here's Why Doctors Are Worried," by Caroline Hopkins (NBC News, 2022)."Nothing on Earth Can Replace Helium — and It’s in Peril," by Joseph DiVerdi (The New York Times, 2019).Selling the Nation's Helium Reserve, by the National Research Council (2010)."Discovery of Helium in Natural Gas at the University of Kansas," by the American Chemical Society (2000). EXTRAS:"Is Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Its Most Valuable Asset?" by Freakonomics Radio (2024). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.