American patients undergo an estimated 40 million MRI scans each year to help diagnose cancer, brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes, and heart conditions. 

The superconducting magnet-powered imaging machines provide doctors with clear, high-resolution images of areas inside the body that cannot be seen on X-rays and CT scans. However, MRI machines cannot maintain magnet cooling to generate these images without liquid helium, the Earth's coldest element. 

Three of five U.S. helium suppliers are rationing the element to prioritise life-or-death uses like MRI machines over less-essential uses like keeping party balloons afloat. 

The cost of helium has already increased by more than 400% in five years. 

Helium is essential in various stages of semiconductor manufacturing, primarily because of its high thermal conductivity and inert characteristics.

Its capacity to quickly cool chips during production renders it indispensable, significantly as semiconductor nodes shrink and become more efficient.

With emerging industries like electric vehicles and 5G telecommunications fueling semiconductor innovation, the demand for helium is expected to rise dramatically.

Helium's inert nature and ability to remain a gas even at extremely low temperatures make it ideal for pressuring liquid hydrogen and other fuel tanks in rockets, ensuring efficient fuel flow to the engines. 
 
Helium is used in cryogenic systems to maintain instruments and engines at optimal temperatures, especially in spacecraft and satellites. 
 
Helium is a purge gas to clean out rocket engines and other systems. 
 
Helium's small atomic size allows it to escape easily through even the tiniest openings, making it valuable for testing leaks in critical systems. 
 
Helium's buoyant properties are essential for high-altitude balloons in atmospheric research and communications. 
 
The Space Shuttle made extensive use of helium to pressurise various systems. 

NASA uses helium to separate hot gases from ultra-cold liquid fuel during rocket lift-off. 
 

Sourcing helium domestically or from Canada is the easiest and most economical option. Transit time is crucial: If the shipment takes 35 to 48 days, the liquid helium will evaporate. 

The two other most enormous helium reserves are in Qatar and Russia.
The U.S. hasn’t been able to tap into Russia’s helium supply because of strained trade relations and the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels have forced Qatar to send liquified natural gas shipments, which contain helium, around the Cape of Good Hope, a route that adds at least 20 days to the journey. 

There is a finite amount of helium on Earth. The largest reserves are in massive underground pockets in Algeria, Qatar, Russia, and the U.S. 

Algeria's president has announced plans to import a staggering 1 million sheep ahead of this year's Eid al-Adha, the holiday during which Muslims worldwide purchase livestock for sacrifice.

The number of sheep consumed during Eid al-Adha varies each year based on global Muslim populations, economic factors, and livestock availability. However, estimates suggest that:

Tens of millions of sheep (along with other livestock such as cows, goats, and camels) are sacrificed during the festival worldwide.

In 2023, around 10 million sheep were sacrificed in Algeria alone.

In Pakistan, over 8 million animals (including sheep, cows, and goats) are typically sacrificed.

In Turkey, over 3 million animals are sacrificed.

In Saudi Arabia, where many pilgrims perform Hajj, around 1-2 million animals are sacrificed annually.

Determining the exact number of sheep sacrificed globally during Eid al-Adha is difficult. Still, estimates suggest well over 100 million animals, with sheep accounting for a significant portion.

The purpose of Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, at the last moment, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead, symbolizing divine mercy and faith.

The meat from the sacrificed animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) is divided into three parts:

One-third for the family.

One-third for relatives and friends.

One-third for the poor and needy.

Eid al-Adha dates back to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), a central figure in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The tradition is rooted in the story found in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat 37:102-107), where God commands Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as a test of faith. When Ibrahim was about to comply, God replaced the son with a ram, signifying divine mercy.

Sacrificing an animal to commemorate this event was established as an Islamic tradition by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. After the Hijra (migration) to Medina, it became an official Islamic holiday, and its observance has continued annually.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact Gregorian calendar date varies each year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle (which is about 10–12 days shorter than the solar year).

In 2025, it is expected to be on June 6.