NASA’s latest infrared space telescope, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer), is set for launch on 28th February. The mission, valued at $488 million, will take off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Designed to scan the entire sky in infrared light, it will collect data from over 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars in the Milky Way. The telescope’s observations will focus on regions of the universe that are typically too distant or faint for conventional telescopes.

Scientific Objectives

According to NASA, the primary aim of SPHEREx is to enhance understanding of cosmic inflation, the rapid expansion of the universe that occurred within the first second following the Big Bang. By mapping the large-scale structure of the cosmos, the telescope will provide insight into how galaxies formed and evolved. Scientists also anticipate that its data will help track the presence and distribution of icy molecules in interstellar space, shedding light on the origins of water and essential organic compounds required for life.

Technical Capabilities

As per NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), SPHEREx weighs approximately 500 kilograms and operates on 270 to 300 watts of power. It is fitted with a spectrophotometer capable of detecting 102 different wavelengths of light, which allows it to identify unique chemical signatures of molecules across space. James Fanson, Project Manager at JPL, told NPR that unexpected discoveries are likely to emerge from the mission’s data.

Accompanying Mission

As reported, SPHEREx will not be the sole payload on this launch. It will share the Falcon 9 with PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere), a NASA mission consisting of four satellites that will examine the sun’s outer atmosphere and solar wind dynamics. Together, these missions aim to deepen scientific knowledge of both the distant universe and the immediate solar environment.

The post NASA’s SPHEREx Telescope Launching Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 to Explore Cosmic Evolution appeared first on World News Stories.

The origins of dog domestication have been a topic of debate among scientists, with theories suggesting various evolutionary processes led to the transformation of wolves into the domestic dogs seen today. A new study has indicated that early wolves may have chosen to stay near humans due to the availability of food scraps, potentially leading to their domestication over thousands of years. The findings support the idea that self-domestication was possible through natural selection, as wolves that were more tolerant of human presence may have had better access to resources and, in turn, passed on these traits to their offspring.

Wolves and Their Path to Domestication

According to the study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the first phase of dog domestication is believed to have taken place between 30,000 and 15,000 years ago. This period is thought to have been influenced primarily by natural selection rather than human intervention. Researchers suggest that wolves with a less aggressive temperament may have been more likely to stay near human settlements, where food was more accessible. Over time, these wolves may have selectively bred with others that exhibited similar traits, gradually leading to the emergence of early domesticated dogs.

The Role of Natural Selection

In an effort to address concerns regarding the timeframe of domestication, researchers used statistical models to determine whether natural selection alone could have driven this process. As per the findings, domestication through self-selection was plausible if two conditions were met: wolves had to opt for a human-proximate lifestyle due to consistent food availability, and they had to choose mates with a comparable level of tameness. Alex Capaldi, a mathematician and statistician at James Madison University, explained to Live Science that if both conditions were fulfilled, the timeline for self-domestication became feasible despite previous skepticism regarding the speed of such evolutionary changes.

Similar Patterns Observed in Other Animals

The study draws parallels with cat domestication, where felines are believed to have settled near human farming communities around 10,000 years ago. In exchange for hunting rodents, they gained access to human food resources, leading to a mutually beneficial relationship. Scientists suggest that understanding how domestication occurred in dogs may provide further insights into human-animal interactions throughout history, as dogs played a significant role in early human societies by assisting in hunting and herding.

Unanswered Questions in Dog Evolution

While the model presents a plausible explanation, researchers acknowledge that it does not definitively prove how domestication occurred. The study highlights self-domestication as a possibility rather than a confirmed mechanism. The debate over whether human intervention or natural selection played a greater role continues, with further research needed to uncover definitive answers. However, the findings contribute to a broader understanding of early human-animal relationships and how evolutionary forces shaped them.

For details of the latest launches and news from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo and other companies at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, visit our MWC 2025 hub.

Anthropic Releases Claude 3.7 Sonnet AI Model With Reasoning Capabilities, Introduces Claude Code

Google’s AI Overviews Erode the Internet, US EdTech Firm Chegg Says in Lawsuit

The post New Study Suggests Dogs May Have Domesticated Themselves for Food appeared first on World News Stories.

A contract has been awarded by NASA to SpaceX for the launch of its Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor spacecraft, which is intended to identify asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth. The mission is set to launch no earlier than September 2027 from Florida’s Space Coast using a Falcon 9 rocket. The contract for the launch and related services has been valued at approximately $100 million. The spacecraft is expected to enhance planetary defense efforts by detecting and characterizing near-Earth objects that could potentially cause significant damage upon impact. The mission will be operated by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, with support from various scientific institutions.

Mission Objectives and Capabilities

As per reports, according to NASA, the NEO Surveyor will be positioned at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1, approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. From this vantage point, the spacecraft will use its 50-centimetre infrared telescope to scan space in two infrared wavelengths. This will allow the detection of both bright and dark asteroids, including those that are difficult to observe with existing Earth-based telescopes. The goal of the mission is to locate at least two-thirds of undiscovered NEOs measuring 140 meters or more in diameter, which are large enough to cause regional devastation if they collide with Earth.

Planetary Defense Efforts and Previous Missions

The NEO Surveyor mission follows previous planetary defense initiatives involving SpaceX. In 2021, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, successfully impacting the asteroid Dimorphos to test the feasibility of altering an asteroid’s trajectory. In 2024, the European Space Agency’s Hera mission was also launched using a Falcon 9 to study the aftermath of the DART impact on the Didymos system. These missions are part of ongoing efforts to develop technologies capable of mitigating potential asteroid threats in the future.

For details of the latest launches and news from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo and other companies at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, visit our MWC 2025 hub.

Severed Skulls with Nails in Iron Age Spain Suggest Complex Ritual Practices

Panasonic Soundbars With Dolby Digital Plus Support Launched in India: Price, Features

The post NASA Partners With SpaceX To Launch NEO Surveyor, a Mission To Detect Asteroid Threats appeared first on World News Stories.

Our environment continues to grapple with plastic pollution, with microplastics infiltrating the air, food, and water. Scientists are actively seeking methods to break down this persistent material. A new development has identified bacteria in wastewater that can degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic widely used in packaging and textiles. The discovery has raised hopes of reducing PET waste, which contributes significantly to microplastic contamination in water bodies. Research efforts are now focused on understanding and enhancing the plastic-degrading ability of these microbes.

Microbes Capable of Breaking Down PET Identified

According to a study published in Environmental Science and Technology, bacteria of the Comamonas genus have been found to degrade PET. Comamonas bacteria, commonly found in wastewater, were already known to grow on plastics in aquatic environments. This prompted Dr. Ludmilla Aristilde, an environmental biochemist at Northwestern University, and her team to investigate whether these microbes consume plastic as a source of energy. The study revealed that Comamonas testosteroni could break down PET, leading to the release of nano-sized plastic particles into water.

Enzyme Responsible for PET Breakdown Identified

As per reports, researchers observed the breakdown of PET after exposing it to C. testosteroni in a controlled laboratory setting for a month. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the bacteria had significantly altered the plastic’s surface, causing the release of plastic nanoparticles. Genetic analysis identified a specific enzyme responsible for breaking down PET. Further testing confirmed its role when bacteria engineered without the gene for this enzyme were unable to degrade plastic, while non-plastic-consuming bacteria equipped with the gene could digest PET.

Challenges and Future Research in Plastic Degradation

Dr. Ren Wei, a biochemist at the University of Greifswald, expressed skepticism to Science News Explore about the practical application of this discovery, stating in reports that the degradation process is too slow to significantly reduce global plastic pollution. On the contrary, Dr. Jay Mellies, a microbiologist at Reed College, viewed the findings as promising, emphasiaing that every viable method should be explored. Dr. Victor Gambarini, a microbiologist at the University of Auckland, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that further research should focus on identifying or engineering enzymes capable of degrading PET more efficiently. Efforts are now being directed toward improving the enzyme’s efficiency to make microbial plastic degradation a practical solution.

The post Scientists Find Wastewater Bacteria That Break Down PET Plastic, Aiding Pollution Control appeared first on World News Stories.

An elliptical galaxy located 88 million light-years from Earth has been observed displaying unusual characteristics, with astronomers identifying it as a cosmic predator. The latest images captured by the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) indicate that the galaxy, designated NGC 3640, has a history of consuming smaller galaxies and may soon engulf another. The galaxy’s distorted structure and the faint, diffused light surrounding it serve as evidence of its turbulent past, as per reports. Positioned just above a smaller galaxy, NGC 3641, the larger body appears to be on a trajectory that could lead to a future merger. The study of such interactions provides insights into the evolutionary patterns of galaxies.

Evidence of Past Galactic Mergers

According to research published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, signs of previous mergers have been detected within NGC 3640. The structural distortions observed, coupled with the presence of older stellar populations, suggest that remnants of previously absorbed galaxies are embedded within its formation. Astronomers at the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics have analysed the remnants, with findings indicating that ancient stars from the original galaxy serve as markers of past collisions. The faint glow surrounding NGC 3640 is attributed to these past interactions, demonstrating the lasting effects of galactic mergers.

Upcoming Galactic Collision

Reports suggest that while NGC 3641 remains intact, its eventual fate may align with the ongoing patterns of NGC 3640. As galaxies interact, their gravitational forces distort their structures, often leading to eventual mergers. Current observations indicate no immediate impact on NGC 3641, implying that significant interactions have yet to begin. ESO officials have stated that galaxies undergo structural changes over time due to the absorption of gas and stars from their surroundings. This process has been linked to the unique shape and features displayed by NGC 3640.

Gravitational Influence and Cosmic Evolution

The gravitational forces exerted by approaching galaxies can trigger large-scale changes in their structures. Astronomers have been closely monitoring such interactions to gain a deeper understanding of galactic evolution. The observations made using the VLT provide an opportunity to study these cosmic processes in detail, with researchers continuing to track the potential merger between NGC 3640 and its smaller companion. The findings contribute to broader studies on the dynamic nature of galaxies and their role in shaping the universe over billions of years.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Apple Tipped to Be Working on Gemini Integration With Apple Intelligence

Crypto Price Today: Bitcoin, Ether See Losses Alongside Most Altcoins, Price Charts Show Volatility

The post Astronomers Spot Galaxy NGC 3640 With a Past of Consuming Smaller Galaxies appeared first on World News Stories.

A decline in global ocean evaporation has been identified over the past decade, despite rising sea surface temperatures. This shift challenges established climate models, which have long linked higher temperatures to increased evaporation. The unexpected trend was observed through satellite data analysis, revealing that evaporation rates started decreasing after 2008. Researchers suggest that changing atmospheric circulation patterns and reduced wind speeds may be influencing this reversal, highlighting the complexity of Earth’s climate system.

Study Reveals Key Climate Anomalies

According to the study published in Geophysical Research Letters, an assessment of ocean heat flux data was conducted by researchers from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It was found that while ocean evaporation had been rising from 1988 to 2008, a reversal occurred thereafter, leading to a decline between 2008 and 2017.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Ma Ning, told Phys.org that two-thirds of the global oceans have shown reduced evaporation rates since the late 2000s. This decline contradicts previous expectations that global warming would consistently drive higher evaporation levels. The research suggests that large-scale atmospheric circulation shifts, particularly in the Northern Oscillation Index, may be contributing to the changes.

Impact of Wind Stilling on Evaporation

A decline in wind speed, referred to as “wind stilling,” has been identified as a crucial factor in this unexpected trend. Lower wind speeds result in reduced surface turbulence, thereby limiting the exchange of moisture between the ocean and the atmosphere. The study indicates that this phenomenon may be linked to broader climate oscillations affecting atmospheric circulation.

Dr. Ma explained that while evaporation levels have declined, this should not necessarily be viewed as a weakening of the global hydrological cycle. Instead, it may be an indication of natural climate variability influencing regional and global weather patterns. Researchers continue to investigate how these findings may affect long-term climate predictions.

The post Scientists Discover Declining Global Ocean Evaporation Amid Rising Temperatures appeared first on World News Stories.

Extreme rainfall in Arabia was five times more intense 400 years ago, as indicated by recent climate reconstructions. The data suggests that the region, currently defined by arid desert, once had significantly higher precipitation levels, resembling a lush savannah. The findings highlight the necessity for improved climate preparedness as urbanisation expands in the region.

Study Reveals Significant Rainfall Variability Over Centuries

According to the study published in Science Advances, researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science discovered that the Arabian Peninsula had significantly higher rainfall over the last 2,000 years. The landscape, now barren, was once covered with vegetation and inhabited by wildlife such as lions, leopards, and wolves. Findings indicate that 200 years ago, rainfall was still double what it is today.

Deep-Sea Brine Pools Provide Uninterrupted Climate Record

As per reports, sediment cores were extracted from a deep-sea brine pool in the Gulf of Aqaba using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the research vessel OceanXplorer. The brine’s chemistry enabled the preservation of undisturbed sediment layers, allowing an accurate reconstruction of Late Holocene rainfall trends.

Implications for Climate Preparedness in the Middle East

Speaking to Phys.org, Sam Purkis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Geosciences at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, stated that the study underscores the importance of climate resilience as development projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia reshape the region. The assumption of long-term climate stability is not reliable, according to Amy Clement, a Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the same institution.

Urgency for Enhanced Flood and Drought Management

The Middle East, already vulnerable to extreme weather, faces rising instances of flash floods and droughts. The catastrophic flooding seen across the Arabian Peninsula in early 2024 reinforces the need to study historical rainfall patterns to improve disaster preparedness. Mattie Rodrigue, Science Program Director at OceanX, highlighted the importance of technological advancements in climate research to better predict future hydroclimate trends.

The post Arabia Had Five Times More Rainfall 400 Years Ago, Study Finds appeared first on World News Stories.

The United States Space Force has unveiled a never-before-seen image of its X-37B space plane in orbit. The photograph, released on February 20, was captured by an onboard camera as the vehicle conducted experiments above the African continent. Visible in the image are one of the space plane’s solar panels on the left side and what appears to be its open payload bay at the top. The X-37B, launched on December 28, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, has remained in orbit for over a year. This marks the first time an official photograph of the vehicle in orbit has been shared with the public, offering insight into the spacecraft’s operational altitude and ongoing mission.

Details of the Mission and Orbital Operations

According to a statement from the U.S. Space Force, the X-37B is currently operating in an orbit significantly higher than previous missions, indicating a shift from low Earth orbit to more distant operational zones. The Falcon Heavy’s capability to launch payloads into geosynchronous orbit—approximately 35,000 km above Earth—suggests an extended range of testing and experimentation. The statement also outlined the objectives of the mission, which include evaluating new space domain awareness technologies, testing radiation effects on materials for NASA, and operating the spaceplane in new orbital environments.

Aerobraking Maneuvers and Technological Tests

The X-37B’s seventh mission has included first-of-its-kind aerobraking maneuvers, designed to utilise atmospheric drag to alter its orbit with minimal fuel consumption. As per Space Force reports, these maneuvers were executed to assess the feasibility of controlled re-entry strategies. Boeing, the manufacturer of the X-37B, has previously highlighted the spaceplane’s role as a platform for testing reusable space vehicle technologies. Past missions have involved trials related to solar power beaming, autonomous flight, and thermal protection systems.

Secrecy and Future Operations

While specific details regarding the X-37B’s payload and experiments remain classified, its extended orbital duration—surpassing a year—mirrors its previous mission, which lasted a record 908 days. The Space Force has not disclosed when the current mission is expected to conclude. Reports have also indicated that China has been testing its own reusable space plane, which launched on its third mission just weeks before the X-37B’s latest deployment. The competition in space-based military and research technology continues to evolve, with nations increasingly investing in long-duration experimental missions.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

New Study Challenges Great Filter Theory, Suggests Life Evolves with Planetary Changes

SpaceX Falcon 9 Completes 450th Mission, Deploys 23 Starlink Satellites

The post US Space Force Shares First X-37B Space Plane Image, Revealing Mission Insights appeared first on World News Stories.

detected, leaving astronomers searching for answers. The sudden burst of energy was identified while analysing archival data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, revealing a cosmic event that occurred more than 20 years ago. The flash, designated XRT 200515, originated from the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, situated approximately 160,000 light-years away. The findings raise questions about the nature of this isolated phenomenon, which exhibited unusual characteristics compared to previous X-ray bursts recorded beyond our galaxy.

Discovery Based on Archival Data

According to a study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, researchers led by Steven Dillmann of Stanford University identified the X-ray flash while examining historical observations captured by Chandra. The explosion, which lasted around ten seconds, was recorded in May 2000 but had remained unnoticed until recently. NASA’s space telescope had been observing the remnants of a dead star in the LMC when the flash was inadvertently documented.

Potential Causes Being Considered

As per the study, the unusual nature of XRT 200515 has led to multiple theories regarding its origin. One hypothesis suggests it resulted from a neutron star pulling in material from a companion star, triggering a thermonuclear explosion. The immense gravitational pull of the neutron star could have drawn in surrounding gas, leading to a sudden release of high-energy X-rays. Another possibility being examined is that the flash originated from a magnetar—a highly magnetised neutron star known for emitting extreme bursts of energy. If this scenario is accurate, the source of XRT 200515 could be located even farther away, beyond the LMC.

A New Phenomenon?

A more intriguing perspective proposed by researchers is that the detected event might represent a previously unknown type of cosmic explosion. The uniqueness of XRT 200515, combined with its brief yet intense emission, has raised speculation that it could signify a distinct astrophysical process yet to be classified. Future observations using advanced telescopes are expected to provide additional insights and confirm whether this event belongs to an existing category of X-ray bursts or represents an entirely new phenomenon.

The Ever-Changing Universe

In a statement to Royal Astronomical Society, Dillmann highlighted the dynamic nature of space, noting that new discoveries continue to reshape scientific understanding. Ongoing studies aim to determine whether similar occurrences have been overlooked in past observations, potentially leading to a broader understanding of high-energy cosmic events.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Completes 450th Mission, Deploys 23 Starlink Satellites

Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ Review: Solid Foundation, Supercharged with AI

The post Unusual X-ray Flash in Large Magellanic Cloud Puzzles Astronomers appeared first on World News Stories.

The likelihood of intelligent life emerging elsewhere in the universe may not be as improbable as previously believed, as suggested by recent research. A new model proposes that the development of life on Earth was not dictated by a sequence of rare, chance events but was instead influenced by evolving geobiological conditions. It has been argued that Homo sapiens appeared at an expected point in Earth’s history, rather than as an anomaly, due to environmental factors aligning at the right time to support complex life.

Study Challenges ‘Hard Steps’ Theory

According to the study published in Science Advances, the long-standing belief that life’s evolution required a series of highly improbable breakthroughs has been questioned. The research, led by Dan Mills of the University of Munich, along with Jennifer Macalady from Penn State University and astrophysicists Adam Frank and Jason Wright, suggests that planetary conditions played a crucial role in determining the timeline of life’s development.

The study re-examined the “hard steps” model introduced by Australian physicist Brandon Carter, which proposed that intelligent life required an extraordinary number of evolutionary hurdles to be overcome. The team identified five major transitions in the history of life, including the emergence of eukaryotic cells, atmospheric oxygenation, multicellular life, and the appearance of Homo sapiens. It was suggested that rather than occurring through sheer improbability, these stages of evolution were dictated by Earth’s changing environment.

Planetary Conditions Dictated Evolutionary Timeline

Key planetary changes, such as the delayed oxygenation of Earth’s atmosphere, have been cited as evidence that evolution did not proceed randomly but was dependent on environmental readiness. Sources indicate that cyanobacteria played a crucial role in oxygen production, but conditions were not suitable for their emergence until approximately 2.4 billion years ago. It was further observed that oxygen levels conducive to complex life only became available around 400 million years ago, which aligns with the eventual appearance of intelligent species.

As per reports, experts have pointed out that if life had to wait for the right environmental conditions on Earth, similar constraints could influence the emergence of life on other planets. This perspective shifts the debate from whether life is rare to how planetary environments shape the possibilities for its evolution. While it remains uncertain whether intelligent life is common in the universe, the research challenges the idea that its development depends on a series of unlikely events.

Despite these findings, questions remain regarding the origins of life and whether biological evolution unfolded in a unique manner.

The post New Study Challenges Great Filter Theory, Suggests Life Evolves with Planetary Changes appeared first on World News Stories.