Data science is a collection of techniques and skills that help extract meaningful information from large quantities of raw data. It involves a broad spectrum of tools and techniques that include predictive analytics, artificial intelligence and natural language processing data visualization and more. Its importance is widely acknowledged in the business world and its professionals are sought after.

Data science is being used increasing in all industries. In some instances it’s an integral part of the operation and strategy of an organization. Data science is helping businesses design stronger marketing campaigns and focus their product advertising. It assists in reducing financial risks by identifying fraudulent transactions and preventing failures in manufacturing plants and other industrial settings. It is also helping to block cyberattacks and other security threats that can be detected in different challenges in data science research IT systems.

For instance the algorithms that monitor users on social media platforms and on digital billboards can determine the patterns of shopping behavior of a person and then use that information to personalize their marketing messages. This increases conversion rates for customers which results in a greater ROI for marketers.

In the field of medicine, the ability to visualize, analyze and interpret large volumes of data about patients has assisted doctors in diagnosing illnesses and create new treatments more precisely. They also can apply preventive medicine, and research treatment options faster.

However there are some alarming uses of data science are those that can have grave ethical implications. For instance the COMPAS Recidivism Risk Score used by many law enforcement agencies to predict the likelihood of future criminality could be biased towards African-Americans according to ProPublica.