The war in Iran is about to hit the helium supply, which is critical for more than just party balloons

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Liquid helium is vital for cryogenic superconducting magnets -- including MRI/NMR probes. There is no substitute.

The US used to maintain a Federal Helium Reserve, but Congress (more like Repugs in Congress) insisted it be sold to a private corp. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/us-just-sold-helium-stockpile-s-medical-world-worried-rcna134785 Medical institutions have been worried about interruption of the supply ever since -- which was part of the reason such a Reserve was established in the first place, long before the growth of MRI vastly increased the demand. That's called thinking ahead. "Free Marketeer" Repugnicans rejected that approach. Profits before people, as always !