The biggest piece of Mars on Earth is going up for auction in New York Sotheby's in New York will be auctioning the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth. The Associated Press
In the Texas flood zone, volunteers help reunite lost pets with their owners Hundreds of pets have been reported missing after the devastating floods in central Texas. Volunteers have been combing through debris to help reunite them with their owners. Kat Lonsdorf
How flood sirens could have saved lives in Texas In the wake of the deadly flash floods in Texas, state leaders are exploring whether to install more flood warning sirens. Such sirens can save lives if they're part of a larger warning system. Rebecca Hersher
This week in science: a comet, plastic-eating bugs, and how altitude changes smell Emily Kwong and Regina Barber of NPR's Short Wave talk about a comet visiting from interstellar space, caterpillars that eat and break down plastic, and how animals' sense of smell varies by altitude. Regina G. Barber
Thousands celebrate baby hippo Moo Deng's first birthday at a Thailand zoo The Khao Kheow Open Zoo was overrun with Moo Deng fans on the first of four days of activities marking the birthday of the adorable social media sensation. The Associated Press
A battle is unfolding in Europe over the future of wolves Europe recently downgraded the protected status of wolves, sparking concern among conservationists who warn this may undo decades of progress and lead to the species becoming threatened again. Ruth Sherlock
Canceled grants get the spotlight at a Capitol Hill 'science fair' On Tuesday, scientists held an event organized by House Democrats in which they stood in front of posters outlining their work — and the federal cuts that now threaten it. Scott Neuman
With Indus Waters Treaty in the balance, Pakistan braces for more water woes In an unprecedented move, India held the water treaty in abeyance after blaming Pakistan for a deadly attack in April. Pakistan denies involvement in the attack and accuses India of "weaponizing water." Betsy Joles
Beluga whale at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium first to recover from general anesthesia A beluga whale at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium is the first to successfully recover from general anesthesia in captivity after a surgery to remove a network of cysts. Hosts
The U.S. has millions of old gas and oil wells. Here's what it takes to plug them up There was a circle in Maria Burns' yard where grass wouldn't grow and trees died. She knew what it was: An old natural gas well, plugged when she was a little girl, starting to leak again. Camila Domonoske
