How do you interview a plant?

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.au Takeaways: 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]. Stay 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.