How Specialty Gases Like Nitrous Oxide and Helium Are Used in University Research

Most people think of gases like oxygen and nitrogen when they picture a university lab. But specialty gases—precise blends and uncommon elements—are just as important to advancing knowledge across fields. Nitrous oxide and helium, for example, may not grab headlines, yet they play central roles in experiments ranging from medical studies to physics demonstrations. Their controlled use ensures accurate data, protects sensitive samples, and supports teaching that prepares students for professional careers.

Nitrous Oxide in Research and Medicine

Outside of hospitals and dental offices, nitrous oxide has a strong foothold in research settings. Medical schools and biology departments use it in studies involving anesthesia, respiration, and neurological function. Its properties allow researchers to model the effects of sedation, test new monitoring equipment, or study the boundaries of pain management techniques.

Beyond medicine, nitrous oxide appears in environmental research. Because it is a greenhouse gas with measurable atmospheric effects, university labs often analyze nitrous oxide levels when studying climate change, soil science, or agricultural emissions. In these settings, precision matters: researchers need calibrated mixtures that reflect real-world concentrations, sometimes measured in just a few parts per million.

Helium’s Versatility in Science and Engineering

Helium is another specialty gas that is widely used in universities. In physics and engineering programs, helium’s extremely low boiling point makes it indispensable for cryogenics. Superconducting magnets, often used in advanced materials research or MRI development, require liquid helium to stay at operating temperatures.

Helium is also critical in leak detection. Engineering departments teaching vacuum system design or materials testing rely on helium’s small atomic size to trace the tiniest leaks in complex systems. Because helium is inert, it passes through equipment safely without causing reactions that could alter results or damage components.

In chemistry and environmental science, helium shows up again as a carrier gas in gas chromatography. Its consistent flow and inert qualities make it the gold standard for separating and analyzing compounds, whether in food studies, pollution monitoring, or pharmaceutical testing.

Training Students with Industry Standards

Universities are not just research hubs—they are training grounds for future professionals. Students who learn to handle specialty gases safely and effectively gain a skill set they can carry into labs, hospitals, or manufacturing facilities after graduation. From changing cylinders correctly to interpreting certificates of analysis, exposure to industry-grade gas systems helps bridge the gap between academic training and real-world practice.

This is where nexAir’s expert KnowHow™ makes a difference. By working alongside faculty and lab managers, nexAir specialists share practical insights into gas selection, handling, and system design. That support ensures students and researchers get the most from their equipment while learning practices that match industry expectations.

Building Reliability Into Research Programs

Research can’t afford delays caused by missed deliveries, inaccurate mixtures, or improperly stored gases. Universities need suppliers who can guarantee quality and respond quickly to shifting project demands. Whether it’s a standing order of nitrous oxide for a medical school, a custom helium blend for an engineering lab, or a last-minute request for additional cylinders, nexAir builds systems that keep research moving without interruption.

With reliable supply chains, quality controls, and on-call technical support, nexAir helps academic institutions Forge Forward in their mission to teach, discover, and innovate. Specialty gases may not be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of a campus, but they remain a vital resource behind many breakthroughs.