News: Helium stockpile being depleted

[dracodraconis]

When you hear about a limited resource, helium doesn't come immediately to mind. That said, the current stockpile of helium is expected to be depleted within the next 8 years. Helium is used extensively in scientific research, particularly in achieving ultra-cold environments. It is also used in MRI, mass spectroscopy,  fiber optics, and chip manufacture. Found on Slashdot

Comments

[randomposting.livejournal.com]

Aww.. how else am I going to make my voice into a munchkins?

[dracodraconis.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... forgot about that. NOW we have to launch an expedition to the sun to harvest more. Chip manufacture is all well and good, but munchkin voices must not be silenced! ;)

[randomposting.livejournal.com]

Exactly, right? Daaamn. ;)

[ancalagon-tb.livejournal.com]

prices are going to skyrocket if that's true... investment opportunity?

[dracodraconis.livejournal.com]

So far there is only one reserve, and it's in the Texas. What is being advocated is for all oil rigs to collect the helium they normally allow to escape. I'm not sure where you'd be able to invest, unless it's in some helium-capture start-up.

[ancalagon-tb.livejournal.com]

ah - well sounds like it's a problem that will self correct - higher prices will encourage others to do the same (I mean capture helium)