j-random t1_isotzw4 wrote
Reply to comment by Vlad_the_Homeowner in TIL Liquid Helium is the perfect element to keep the superconductive magnets in MRI machines cold by Alternative-Leg1095
Soon enough we'll have fusion power plants, and we'll be able to make as much helium as we want!
Khourieat t1_isov7ap wrote
The technology is just 20 years away!
LornAltElthMer t1_isoxkri wrote
Always has been, always will be!
Skud_NZ t1_isoxyf4 wrote
Will be used in flying cars as well
Garlien t1_isp6ov5 wrote
We already know how to fuse helium, just not in an energy-producing way. If we were willing to accept the energy cost, we could fuse enough to keep essential systems such as MRIs online.
Khourieat t1_ispbq38 wrote
That doesn't seem like it'd address the cost concern, which is the only concern...
Garlien t1_ispn6tw wrote
If we literally run out of helium, an inefficient fusion reactor would likely be more cost efficient than mining it from outer space.
Efficient-Library792 t1_isqsgf9 wrote
I think you underestimate what it costs to run even an energy neutral fusion plant. There are a few around the world and they cost 10 figures to build and probably 8 to run. Amd they likely produce tiny amounts of helium
r4tch3t_ t1_isr2pei wrote
It used to be always 50 years away, the progress in the last few of decades has indeed shifted the time line to a perpetual 20 years now. Hopefully in the next decade or 2 we can get that down to a perpetual 10 years!
innergamedude t1_istotss wrote
Oooh, I can solve this differential equation!
EdofBorg t1_isp9s2i wrote
Redditors like you to put a /s after sarcasm.
VolkspanzerIsME t1_ispatif wrote
If it's well written sarcasm the /s shouldn't be necessary.
Arif_Ghostwriter t1_isqht6v wrote
We then have to cater for the possible spectrum of the thread participants' intelligence.
VolkspanzerIsME t1_isqm0k4 wrote
Meh
EdofBorg t1_issqx51 wrote
In today's Dunning-Kruger environment it is difficult to know if someone is being sarcastic or are just genuinely dumb as a post.
BarneyFifesSchlong t1_isozsjr wrote
We are 20 years away from fusion power plants. Of course, we were 20 years away 40 years ago too.
junkdumper t1_isp3rb1 wrote
At least we're building them at scale now. That's a hell of a lot closer than we were 20 years ago.
silverback_79 t1_ispcszt wrote
As keeper of the plane crash food stores, I ate all of the food last night because rescue will probably come in 2-3 days!
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments