Researchers from the University of Chicago have discovered that many of the genetic variations that have enabled human populations to tolerate colder climates may also affect their susceptibility to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of related abnormalities that include obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease, and diabetes.

Scientists have long noted that humans inhabiting colder regions were bulkier and had relatively shorter arms and legs. In the 1950s, researchers found correlations between colder climates and increased body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat, based on height and weight. Now scientists have found a strong correlation between climate and several of the genetic variations that appear to influence the risk of metabolic syndrome, consistent with the idea that these variants played a crucial role in adaptations to the cold. Also, some genes associated with cold tolerance have a protective effect against the disease, while others increase disease risk.

Two new 110 million-year-old dinosaurs unearthed in the Sahara Desert highlight the unusual meat-eaters that prowled southern continents during the Cretaceous Period. Named Kryptops and Eocarcharia in a paper appearing this month in the scientific journal Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, the fossils were discovered in 2000 on an expedition led by University of Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno.

Sereno and co-author paleontologist Stephen Brusatte of the University of Bristol say the new fossils provide a glimpse of an earlier stage in the evolution of the bizarre meat-eaters of Gondwana, the southern landmass. “T-rex has become such a fixture of Cretaceous lore, most people don’t realize that no tyrannosaur ever set foot on a southern continent,” said Sereno.

When it comes to romantic attraction men primarily are motivated by good looks and women by earning power. At least that’s what men and women have been saying for a long time. Based on research that dates back several decades, the widely accepted notion permeates popular culture today.

But those sex differences didn’t hold up in a new in-depth study of romantic attraction undertaken by two Northwestern University psychologists.

In short, the data suggest that whether you’re a man or a woman, being attractive is just as good for your romantic prospects and, to a lesser extent, so is being a good earner.

“Flies are nature’s ultimate sensory machines, outperforming any human-engineered devices,” said Mark Frye of the University of California, Los Angeles. Adult fruit flies can distinguish small differences in odor concentration across antennae separated by less than one millimeter. Flies can also see in all directions at once, though the picture may be grainy.

Flies’ keen senses allow for some incredible maneuvers. During flight, a male housefly chasing a female can make turns within 40 milliseconds—less than the blink of an eye. When they’re hungry, flies track weak scents of food to far-flung places. Both feats depend on the tight integration of sight and smell.

RICHARDSON, Texas, February 14 /PRNewswire/ --

- Global Outsourcer among Top 10 Best Performing Contact Centers

Stream, a leading global provider of outsourced customer support, was named to the Global Services 100 (GS100) for the third consecutive year. Stream was also recognized among the top 10 best performing contact centers.

The GS100 recognizes companies with the maturity and capability to lead the next wave of services globalization. The announcement was made in the February 2008 edition of Global Services magazine.

SAO PAULO, Brazil, February 14 /PRNewswire/ --

- Customers will be able to buy tickets online from anywhere in the world

TAM Linhas Aereas has launched an international version of its website, with an interface that will make it possible to purchase tickets from anywhere in the world, as part of the Company's effort to offer individualized service to its customers. The first country to have this service is Argentina, via the internet address www.tamairlines.com, with a version in Spanish.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060418/SPTU001LOGO )

CONCORD, New Hampshire, February 14 /PRNewswire/ --

- NAC Director Earns Further Recognition for Comprehensive NAC Solution

Bradford Networks, a leading provider of comprehensive network access control (NAC) solutions, was named an SC Magazine Awards Europe Best Network Security finalist for Bradford's NAC Director solution -- an out-of-band, agent-based network access control appliance that leverages existing network assets to enforce NAC policy.

SAN JOSE, California, February 14 /PRNewswire/ --

- 8, 16 or 24 Drives in 1U/2U for Higher Density, Performance and Efficiency

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI), a leader in application-optimized, high performance server solutions, today unveiled new high-end 1U and 2U chassis optimized for 2.5" SAS and SATA hard disk drives. The SC113, SC213 and SC216 series chassis support 8, 16 or 24 hot-swappable 2.5" SAS/SATA hard disk drives respectively, which effectively doubles the number of available drives per system. All chassis feature Supermicro's new advanced design high-efficiency (up to 90%(i)) power supplies.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080214/AQTH057)

BARCELONA , Mobile World Congress, February 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Rohde & Schwarz has added channel coding and MIMO precoding for up to four transmit antennas to its industry-leading signal generators for 3GPP LTE (uplink and downlink). Whether mobile equipment manufacturers are looking for a unique all-in-one solution for 2x2 MIMO signals and realtime fading or simply need standard-compliant RF or baseband signals, Rohde & Schwarz offers the ideal solution.