May 4, 2009 (Seattle) — Infection with Epstein-Barr virus appears to raise the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), Boston researchers report. The findings offer the strongest evidence to date implicating the virus as a trigger for the chronic progressive autoimmune disorder of the brain and spinal cord that affects more than 350,000 Americans, says Lily Jung, MD, medical director of the neurology clinic at the Swedish Neurology Institute in Seattle. Jung was not involved in the study.

A new Department of Labor report finds personal outsourcing is revolutionizing how Americans dont do their own work. … Business News Room

Two ladies, a Yankee and a Southern Belle, are sitting next to each other on a plane. The Southern Belle turns to the Yankee and asks, “So, where y’all from?” The Yankee replies, “I am from a place where we do not end our sentences with a preposition.” Without missing a beat, the Southern Belle bats her lashes and asks, “So, where y’all from, bitch?”

– You no longer know what time fast food drive-thru windows close.

How many IBM employees does it take to screw in a light bulb?

This muslim guy is in a really long robe and has never used a treadmill before, his friend turns it up to full speed, the guy freaks out

May 1, 2009 — Swine flu is big news. Cases are rising in the U.S. and other countries, there’s no vaccine, it’s a brand-new virus, and it’s teetering on the brink of a pandemic

May 1, 2009 — Biologic therapies often prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis do help improve symptoms but don’t eliminate them, according to a new study. However, patients who remain on subcutaneous biologic therapies — medications injected under the skin — have fewer symptoms than those who discontinue the drugs, says study author Boxiong Tang, MD, director of health economics and clinical outcomes research for Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc., in Horsham, Pa., a manufacturer of biologic therapies. Tang presented his study looking at how the biologic medications improved quality of life, functioning, and work productivity this week in San Diego at the American Occupational Health Conference sponsored by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

May 1, 2009 — Up to 48 toxic chemicals commonly used in everyday consumer products have shown up in blood and urine samples of five prominent women environmental activists, according to a study by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization devoted to protecting human health and the environment. “Testing was primarily targeted toward products used in everyday consumer products that have escaped regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act,” Anila Jacob, MD, MPH, a senior scientist with the organization, said at a news briefing. The findings, according to Jacob and others from Environmental Working Group, offer more proof that the Toxic Substances Control Act is antiquated and needs a major overhaul to protect Americans from the adverse effects of chemicals found in everyday products.

Q: How do you know when it’s going to be a good day at work? A: When you see your boss’ picture on the side of the milk carton.