First skull of mysterious human ancestor; Decoding whale language; Heatwaves 20x more likely to happen

In this episode of "The World, the Universe and Us," Dr. Rowan Hooper and Dr. Penny Sarchet discuss a range of science news stories. They begin with the groundbreaking discovery of the first Denisovan skull, featuring an interview with journalist Mike Marshall about the skull's origins and implications for understanding human evolution and interbreeding. The hosts then shift to whale communication, highlighting research suggesting sperm whales use a complex system of "vowels" akin to human language. Finally, they delve into the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, particularly in the UK, with insights from environment reporter Maddy Cuff and the Met Office's Gillian Kay, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change. The episode concludes with a discussion of organ transplantation, featuring an interview with Rachel Clarke, author of "The Story of a Heart," focusing on the history and emotional impact of heart transplants.