Particle Word for Word

Particle Word for Word

Welcome to Particle Word for Word, the podcast that brings science journalism to life. Each episode features a reading of an article from Particle WA, perfect for those passionate about science who prefer listening over reading. Hosted by Morgan Knoxlee, Word for Word delivers each story exactly as it was written. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a curious mind, or someone who loves audio storytelling, this podcast brings compelling science straight to you. Listen, learn, and explore more at http://particle.scitech.org.au (particle.scitech.org.au).

Episodes

June 24, 2025 63 mins

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.

T...

Mark as Played

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 t...

Mark as Played

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 episod...

Mark as Played

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 particle@scitech.org.a...

Mark as Played

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 moder...

Mark as Played

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, a...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played
May 13, 2025 23 mins

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 arti...

Mark as Played

Written and read by Cody Robinson

In 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 resilien...

Mark as Played
April 29, 2025 9 mins

Written and read by Tom Gurn

Deep 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, a...

Mark as Played
April 22, 2025 9 mins

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...

Mark as Played

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

Mark as Played
April 1, 2025 9 mins

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...

Mark as Played

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 understa...

Mark as Played
March 18, 2025 12 mins

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 anat...

Mark as Played
March 18, 2025 27 secs

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.

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.