Last week, news started circulating that Party City will be closing 45 stores, amid concerns over the global helium shortage. However, a helium shortage could have far more implications than balloons, like scientific research and MRI’s.
In this podcast: Dr. Gregory Cook, Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at North Dakota State University, join Amy & JJ to explain.
What is helium?
Helium is a gas. It is the lightest of the stable, noble gases. And is inert in most chemical reactions. Which is why we can use it to fill up balloons!
Where do we get it?
It is found under the ground, and is a byproduct from the breakdown of radioactive materials. There are just a few sites around the world which contain most of the helium supply.
How do we use it?
“Helium is so important for your everyday life,” says Dr. Cook. Medical imaging, scientific research and airbags, just to name a few.
And, at the rate we use it, there is a possibility we could run out.
Listen to the conversation above for more information.
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(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Check out the show page on
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