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The Indicator from Planet Money · August 4, 2026 · 9m

Why we're short on blood, water and helium

Show Notes

The Indicator examines three concurrent shortages in blood, water, and helium. Through economic lenses, the episode explores the supply-and-demand imbalances causing each, from hospital blood inventory crises to regional water scarcity and the industrial crunch in helium supply.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Blood shortage
The episode examines why blood donations are falling and how that creates shortages for hospitals.
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Water shortage
The show looks at regional water shortages and the economic mechanisms driving them.
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Helium shortage
An explanation of the helium supply crunch and why it matters for technology.
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