30-Second Data Science

Book excerpt: Data science is an entirely new discipline that encompasses a new era of information, from finding criminals to predicting epidemics. But there's more to it than the vast quantities of information gathered by our computers, smartphones, and credit cards. Carefully compiled by experts in the field, 30-Second Data Science covers the basic statistical principles that drive the algorithms, how data affects us in every way-science, society, business, pleasure-along with the ethical quandaries and its future promise of a better world. Each 30-Second entry details a different facet of data science in just 300 words and one picture, showing how the concept of bringing together different types of data, and using powerful computer programs to find patterns no human eye could spot, is already transforming our world.