Number 226 (Story #3), May 15, 1995 by Phillip F. Schewe and Ben Stein HELIUM WAS FIRST DISCOVERED 100 YEARS AGO . Most helium in the universe is cosmic (having been formed in the aftermath of the big bang) but terrestrial helium is mostly a byproduct of radioactive decays from the Earth's interior, whence it percolates into natural gas pockets. Once allowed to escape into the atmosphere, helium is now captured and used in commercial applications (e.g., as a coolant for superconductors). Helium usage has increased in the past few years by as much as 5 to 10% per year. (New Scientist, 8 April.)