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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.

Danny O'Shea turned 35 at his first Olympics, after three decades of skating and two reversed retirements.

"The Shark is Broken," at Jobsite Theater, was co-written by Ian Shaw, son of late actor Robert Shaw.

Does the color of a concert venue change how we hear music? German researchers have an answer.

Fall in love with your home again with these feng shui-inspired decorating tips from architect Cliff Tan. They focus on creating an environment that feels happy, harmonious and full of good energy.

A mix of decorated veterans and rising stars won 24 medals for Team USA, 13 of them gold. The last one arrived Sunday, when the U.S. sled hockey team beat Canada to win its fifth straight gold medal.

In this charming TV series, Kevin Kline plays a Shakespearean actor who retreats to his small hometown after a crisis, and gets engaged in an effort to save the local theater.

The Army identified the alleged gunman as Sgt. Quornelius Radford, who worked in automated logistics. The victims were Radford's coworkers and he used a personal handgun, the Army added.

The Aalborg Zoo in Denmark said it would take certain surplus pets such as chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs to be "gently euthanized" and fed to its captive predators.