Welcome to another week of the “Science Times synthesis”! Please enjoy our favorite articles from the New York Times science section from the past two weeks.

January 18, 2011

Heavy doses of DNA data, with few side effects: New York state banned the direct sale of DNA data tests to consumers, and many questions are arising.

Close look at orthotics raises a welter of doubts: An orthotics researcher is questioning if the shoe inserts help or harm those who use them.

Trial in a vaccum: study of studies shows few citations: Researchers are looking at how often clinical trials are addressing issues that may have already merited trials.

January 25, 2011

Harnessing the brain’s right hemisphere to capture many kings: Researchers explore the brain’s pattern recognition ability as a skill in thoughtful games such as chess.

With poem, broaching the topic of death: Health workers are using Navajo traditions to advance end-of-life care in their communities.

A pound of prevention is worth a closer look: Authors explore what happens if you and your doctor have questions about modern medicine.

Birth control update, in thousands of interviews: The National Center for Health Statistics conducted thousands of interviews to provide an updated picture of the country’s birth control methods.