72. Helium
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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).