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The Inca Empire in South America was one of the most powerful pre-Columbian societies. It was known for the architecture of Machu Picchu, an extensive road network and a system of terraces for agriculture. The society also kept records known as khipu, which involved a system of tying knots to encode sophisticated information. Literacy in this form of writing was assumed to be something that only the highest levels of Inca society could do. But NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce shares how a new analysis of a cord made out of human hair may change that assumption. Curious about science history? Email us at shortwave@npr.org. Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker nests well to the north of us, but winters in Florida, other Gulf states, and the Caribbean. Older males tend to winter farther north, while females and first-year birds winter farther south. Males must return early to establish nesting territories and by staying farther north in winter, they are better able to deal with late cold weather sometimes encountered. Females return to breeding areas about a week later than males.Male Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers can be identified by their red throat. Females and fledgling males have a white throat; young males begin to show red throat feathers early in their second year. Young sapsuckers have dark streaks on the side of the breast and belly; adults show a “cleaner” yellowish belly and distinct black bib on the breast.

How do we find beauty in a broken world? This is the question that Ganavya's music asks, but lets you answer. At the Tiny Desk, she sings the poems of today in the language of today.

The therapeutic food is designed to bring malnourished kids back from the brink. A new order from the U.S. after months of mixed signals is good news for the Rhode Island factory that makes it.

"The Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America's Jewish Vacationland" is on view at the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg through May 31.

On "Florida Matters Live & Local," we get a peek into how the museum is coming together from its program manager and curator. The museum is anticipated to open next year, but there isn't a set date yet.

Sketchers say making art together in urban environments allows them to create a record of a moment and to notice a little bit more about the city they see every day.

WSMR explores history and the events in music, culture, the arts and more that shape our world.

A toe-tapping musical revue is playing in the Court Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota through June 21st. It celebrates musical artists who gave us a single, chart-topping hit. The show is called "One Hit Wonders."

Geese's iconic "V" formations and trademark squawks can be seen and heard overhead as they go back and forth to the south through the year. But what does it take for such a long trip?