The helium shortage is potentially deflating for a range of purposes: airbags, rocket fuel, MRIs, fiber optics, semiconductors, and, yes, balloons.

Fewer than 10 countries in the world produce helium. South Africa will be the latest, when Renergen starts commercial production of the critical gas.

A helium shortage might mean you can’t get the medical scans you need. Here’s why MRI machines need liquid helium to super-cool their magnets.

The Federal Helium Reserve was supposed to be sold off in 2021. Scientists hope it will remain in government hands. IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Hospitals, for example, are the world's largest consumers of helium, accounting for around 32% of the global market.The gas is used to cool magnets in vital diagnostic tools such as magnetic ...