Our Lives in Data, a new exhibition at the Science Museum explores the rapidly evolving role of big data in all our lives and how it is being used to transform the world around us.
Looking at the variety that data is being collected, analysed and used, the exhibition provides insights into the ways that researchers and designers are using vast collections of data to produce products and equipment that will change the world in a variety of ways. At the beginning of the exhibition, visitors will have a chance to test facial recognition software through an intelligent mirror, designed to guess your age, gender and emotions.
As the amount of personal data collected grows so does the debate around data ownership. The exhibition highlights some of the new products being developed to help individuals protect their data, including a Cryptophone designed to prevent access to your mobile phone data and paint that blocks WiFi signals.
It is remarkable to consider that over 90% of all available human data has been recorded in the last two years, driven by recent advances in technology and data science. Our Lives in Data examines how big data is transforming public transport in London as well as medical science.
One of the main developments in medicine is the work done with DNA, the first human DNA sequencing took about 13 years to complete but now takes just two days. Exhibition visitors will see an example of a modern DNA sequencer and find out how it is helping the 100,000 Genomes Project to uncover the causes of rare diseases and cancer.
Genomic technology is being used by scientists to find ways that big data can improve health outcomes for the population.
The world of social media is one of the enormous growth areas of data and the exhibition has some of the storage units that Facebook use to store their users information in large warehouses in Sweden.
This small intriguing exhibition asks some big questions about the way, large amounts of data are being manipulated for a variety of commercial and social aspects. In the very near future, every aspect of our physical and social make up will be part of data banks that will transform many areas of everyday life. In an ever connected world, privacy will become more of an issue and developments will continue for ways to allow the person some degree of control over their own data.
Visiting London Guide Rating – Highly Recommended
For more information, visit the Science Museum website here
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