Ruchita Gujarathi, Fabricio F. Costa^*

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Genomic Enterprise, Chicago, USA 2DataGenno Interactive Research Ltda, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 31871: DataGenno Interactive Research, Chicago, USA 4Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA.
Genomic Enterprise, Chicago, USA 2DataGenno Interactive Research Ltda, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 31871: DataGenno Interactive Research, Chicago, USA Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
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Abstract: Advances in Information Technology (IT) have enhanced our ability to gather, collect and analyze information from individuals and specific groups of people online. The emergence of online networks has facilitated connections between individuals by leveraging data exchange in a variety of fields. Online networking in life sciences transforms data collection into actionable information that will improve individual and population health, deliver effective therapies and, consequently, reduce the cost of healthcare. These novel tools might also have a direct impact in personalized medicine programs, since the adoption of new products by health care professionals in life sciences and peer-to-peer learning could be improved using social networks and big data analytics. However, one of the main concerns of information exchange online is data privacy. In this article, we will review how online networks and big data analytics are impacting the life sciences sector.

Keywords: Online Networks; Big Data; Health; Life Sciences; Patients; Diseases; Privacy

Cite this paper: Gujarathi, R. and F. Costa, F. (2014) The Impact of Online Networks and Big Data in Life Sciences. Social Networking, 3, 58-64. doi: 10.4236/sn.2014.31007.

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