The National Science Foundation's Antarctic Program requires liquid oxygen, nitrogen and helium to support scientific research in Antarctica. Biologists employ liquid nitrogen refrigeration to freeze, store and transport cell samples. Astrophysicists cool detectors with liquid helium and liquid nitrogen to eliminate noise and enhance sensitivity to radiation in the microwave and far infrared. Gamma ray detectors are maintained at liquid nitrogen temperature. Meteorologists use cryogen cooled instruments to analyze pollutants in the atmosphere, including those believed to be responsible for loss of ozone in the stratosphere. Aviators breathing oxygen is stored aboard aircraft in the liquid state.
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