Particle Word for Word

Alcohol has been central to culture, art and societies for thousands of years. How far we’ve come to vomiting in a bin somewhere in Northbridge. In this episode, host Morgan Knoxlee introduces three Particle stories, written by Emily Evans, Thomas Crow and Alex Dook and read by Cat Williams.Where did alcohol come from, is the ‘seal’ a real thing, should we cut back our drinking and can we really help the climate crisis by cracking open a cold one?For more stories like this, visit particle.scitech.org.au

Step aside Olympic Games, a much smaller, potentially more dangerous worldwide sporting event is upon us. Enter: the Enhanced Games. Join host Morgan Knoxlee as we seek to understand what the Enhanced Games are, and what it could mean for sport. The article in this episode was written by Owen Cumming and read by Cat Williams. For more stories like this, visit particle.scitech.org.au

Invasive species are a known threat to biodiversity in Australia. But lesser known is the humble Buffel grass.Buffel's threat is equal to that of feral cat and fox predation, so why isn't it better known?Introduced over a century ago, Buffel can spread rapidly and is currently threatening not only Aussie animals and biodiversity, but it’s also threatening connection to Country.Join host, Morgan Knoxlee as we delve into why Buffel grass is such a threat, what sort of impacts it's having and what Australia is doing about it.The article was written and read by Cat Williams. For more stories like this, visit particle.scitech.org.au 

The word ‘maths’ means a lot of things for a lot of different people.In this episode, host Morgan Knoxlee introduces three Particle stories, written by Owen Cumming and Kassandra Zaza, and read by Cat Williams.The sum of these three great stories might divide you. We hope you have a good time(s) listening and maybe enjoy a take-away while you’re at it. So, what is maths, how does it work, and how can it really be applied to pasta? For more stories like this, visitparticle.scitech.org.auTakeaways:Maths is not merely a collection of numbers; it's a profound language that helps us describe the universe's complexities. Understanding maths can lead us to appreciate its beauty, from the Fibonacci sequence in nature to the patterns in our everyday lives. Every pasta shape is engineered with mathematical precision, designed for optimal sauce retention and culinary delight. The journey through mathematics is akin to exploring philosophy, where each concept builds upon the last, revealing layers of understanding.Links referenced in this episode:particle.scitech.org

While Word for Word is on break, we’re bringing you an episode from The Particle Podcast where big ideas meet curious minds.In this conversation, we explore the world of science communication. What is it, really? Why does it matter? And how can we make science more relatable, more accessible… and maybe even more fun?Whether you’re a science nerd, a teacher, a researcher, or just someone who loves a good yarn, this episode for you.Tune in now, right here in the Word for Word feed.

This week on Word for Word, we’re featuring an episode from Elements, a powerful audio series hosted by Owen Cumming.In this story, we explore Western Australia’s deep relationship with water. From bushfires to floods, droughts to deluges, this episode traces how water moves through our landscape… and what happens when the climate begins to shift.It’s a story of science, resilience, and learning to live with extremes, not against them.Tune in now, right here in the Word for Word feed.

While Word for Word takes a short break between seasons, we’re sharing something special from the Particle universe. This episode comes from Please Look Up our cosmic podcast hosted by Leon and Beth.From constellations to cosmic events, they explore what’s happening above us and why it matters down here. It’s science, it’s stargazing, and it’s all in a language we can actually understand.So, sit back, look up, and enjoy this episode of Please Look Up right here in the Word for Word feed.

Season one of Particle Word for Word has officially wrapped! While we take a short break, we’re not leaving your feed empty. In this episode, Morgan reflects on the stories we’ve shared, the voices we’ve heard, and what’s coming next. You’ll also hear how we’re keeping things fresh with a few surprise episodes from across the Particle universe.Got feedback? We’d love to hear from you, send us your thoughts at [email protected] subscribed, stay curious… and as always, stay tuned.

The future of energy isn’t flashy... it’s elemental.In this episode, host Morgan Knoxlee introduces three Particle 101s written by Emily Evans and read by Cat Williams, diving into the natural forces that have powered human life for thousands of years: sun, sea, and sky.From ancient windmills to WA’s biggest solar farms, and waves off Albany with the potential to power entire towns these aren’t just climate solutions, they’re modern takes on ancient ideas.Simple. Powerful. And right above our heads.For more stories like this, visit particle.scitech.org.au

These warty little invaders are marching west and scientists in WA are fighting back with a surprisingly simple strategy: cutting off their water supply. In this episode, host Morgan Knoxlee introduces a story written by Cat Williams and read by Evan Thyer, diving into a bold new approach to one of Australia’s most toxic pests.It’s smart, it’s low-tech, and it might just work.Listen in to hear how Traditional Owners, researchers, and landholders are teaming up to dry out the toad trail, one waterhole at a time.For more stories like this, visit particle.scitech.org.au.

What if the best classroom didn’t have walls at all?In this episode of Particle Word for Word, we head to Turtle Camp a hands-on conservation program blending science, culture, and connection to Country. Written and read by Cat Williams, this story explores how kids in the Pilbra are learning to track turtles, monitor nests, and care for their environment in ways rooted in thousands of years of knowledge.It’s not just about turtles. It’s about identity. Pride. And showing the next generation that they already belong.For more science stories like this, visit particle.scitech.org.au.

In this episode of Particle Word for Word, we dive headfirst into the fascinating, futuristic and sometimes fraught world of de-extinction.What happens when you splice a woolly mammoth gene into a lab mouse? What if extinction wasn’t the end of the story, but just... an intermission? Join us as we explore the sharp, speculative science behind resurrecting long lost species from genetic puzzles to ecological ethics.Based on the article Of Woolly Mice and Mammoths by Jackson Ryan and read by Alyshia Gatani, this episode doesn’t just ask can we bring the mammoth back it asks, should we?A curious, compelling listen for anyone who’s ever wondered where the line is between conservation and creation.For more, visit particle.scitech.org.au.

Written and read by Cody RobinsonIn this episode, Cody Robinson takes us to Garden Island, a restricted naval base off Western Australia’s coast, where one of the state’s northernmost little penguin colonies is quietly fighting for survival. Away from the crowds of Penguin Island, Cody joins marine biologist Dr Belinda Cannell on a survey mission, scrambling over rocks, peering into burrows, and piecing together a story of resilience and risk. Through empty nests, microchipped birds, and surprise new arrivals, we learn how these tiny penguins reveal deeper truths about climate change, coastal development, and the fragile balance of ocean ecosystems.For more science stories, visit particle.scitech.org.au

Written and read by Tom GurnDeep beneath Western Australia's Nullarbor Plain, scientists are uncovering a hidden world of rare cave-dwelling spiders. In this episode, Tom Gurn takes us underground to explore the eerie silence, delicate ecosystems, and the surprising discoveries that come with searching for life in total darkness. These blind, pale arachnids may be tiny, but they raise big questions about conservation, extinction, and what it means to protect species most of us will never see.For more science stories, visit particle.scitech.org.au

Giant wombats. Marsupial lions. Thunderbirds. Australia’s ancient landscapes were once home to massive megafauna creatures as strange as they were enormous. But around 40,000 years ago, they vanished.In this episode, we explore the mystery behind their extinction. Was it climate change? Human hunting? Or something more complex? With new fossil evidence and evolving scientific theories, we dig into the clues that could finally solve one of Australia’s oldest cold cases — and what it might mean for the species at risk today.Written and read by Cat WilliamsFor more science stories like this, visit particle.scitech.org.au.

The achievements of women scientists are non-existent in the Australian high school curriculum.

They don’t move, don’t make noise, and don’t have brains but sea sponges might just help cure cancer. In this episode, we dive into the hidden world of marine sponges and the incredible promise they hold for modern medicine. With research happening right here in Western Australia, scientists are uncovering powerful chemical compounds inside these ancient ocean dwellers, some already used in cancer treatments, others just waiting to be explored.This is a story about discovery, time, and the overlooked power of life beneath the waves.Written by Owen Cumming and read by Michael GattFor more science stories like this, visit particle.scitech.org.au.

The ocean is full of sound, from the haunting calls of whales to the crackling of coral reefs. But now, those natural voices are being drowned out by noise pollution. Ships, sonar, oil rigs, and even tourism are changing the underwater soundscape, making it harder for marine animals to communicate, navigate, and survive.In this episode, we explore how human-made noise is disrupting marine life, what scientists are doing to understand and reduce its impact and why quiet might be the ocean’s most powerful form of healing.Written by Melanie Julien-Martial and read by Alyshia GataniFor more science stories like this, visit particle.scitech.org.au.

For far too long, women have been seen as secondary to men under the patriarchal rule of human society.Yet, humanity’s existence has been a minor blip in the history of the Earth, where females are the dominant sex of many species.The differences between men and women are far greater culturally than biologically.In animals like the noolbenger/honey possum, females are highly promiscuous, forcing males to evolve some impressive anatomical changes.Written and read by Cat Williamshttps://particle.scitech.org.au/earth/promiscuous-girls/

Science journalism, straight to your ears!Welcome to Particle Word for Word, the podcast that brings compelling science stories to life. Hosted by Morgan Knoxlee, each episode features a reading of an article from Particle WA.Whether you're a science enthusiast, a curious mind, or just enjoy great storytelling, tune in and explore the wonders of science with us. Listen, learn, and discover more at particle.scitech.org.au.