helium

The periodic table’s second element is used in the manufacture of mirochips and operation of MRIs, among many other products. But the rest of the world is facing a major shortage.

MRI machines and AI chipmakers need the liquid form of the element.

The natural gas surplus in the U.S. could wind up supercharging demand for data centers built here instead of Europe or the Middle East.

Congress decided to sell it off before demand for helium skyrocketed, thanks to MRIs and semiconductor chipmaking.

High helium prices, driven by shortages, played a role in Party City’s bankruptcy. Here’s what it means for businesses that rely on balloons.

Disruptions at helium processing plants have left a number of industries competing for a limited supply: healthcare, tech and manufacturing to name a few.

After all, air is free.