The letters H (uppercase) and e (lowercase) are large and light yellowish pink inside of a dark blue and orange circle, which is layered over two larger circles of the same coloring. Below the letter the word HELIUM is written. Below that is the number4.0026. At the top of the first circle is the number 0.02.

Helium is the second lightest element on Earth.

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Lots of people count on helium. From MRI machines and semiconductor manufacturing to pressurizing rockets and detecting leaks, helium is used globally for much more than party balloons. So when there’s a shortage, like right now, the effect is far-reaching. But before the current shortage started, there was already a finite supply on Earth. So, today on Short Wave, we revisit our episode on the history of helium and how the world uses it today.

If you liked this episode, check out our episode on aluminum’s strange journey from precious metal to beer can.

Interested in more science in the news? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.

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This episode was produced by Berly McCoy and edited by Rebecca Ramirez.