2
He
Helium
A Different Kind of
Inflation Problem
By Paul Tullis The world’s helium stores are running low. Prices are
soaring, and it’s not just party balloons at risk of going
unfilled. Two geologists say they’ve stumbled on a supply
that could transform a whole countryPhotographs by Adriane Ohanesian
◼ Helium $0.95 / liter 200-liter cylinder
Grad student Karim Mtili (right) collects gas samples in Itumbula, Tanzania