Helium (He) - a podcast by BBC World Service

The second most abundant element in the universe, helium is rare on Earth. In liquid form it is used as a coolant in super conducting magnets in MRI scanners – so should this rare element be used in something as frivolous as party balloons? And what happens to the helium when that balloon inevitably escapes the clutch of a small child?

(Picture: US National Helium Reserve; Credit: Jonny Dymond/BBC)

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