Currently вЂњData ScienceвЂќ and вЂњInformaticsвЂќ are equally cool.Representing term trendiness with the frequency of Google internet searches suggests that: Does this mean I should put my Informatics coat at the back of the wardrobe and wear the trendier Data Scientist designer label? In order to answer this question letвЂ™s do the вЂњData Science/InformaticsвЂќ thing and take a peek at some data (frequency of internet searches, source: Google Trends). So what should I be calling myself? Apparently Data Scientist is the вЂњsexiest job of the 21 st centuryвЂќ. The overlap between the two is huge and the overall goal of both is identical вЂ“ turning data into knowledge. This got me searching the web and checking job role definitions. A confused reply followed: вЂњan inform-a-what?вЂќ I was recently asked, вЂњAre you a Data Scientist?вЂќ My answer: вЂњYes! I am an Informatician, which seems to be the same thingвЂќ. 2D structure of Phencyclidine sketched using ChemDoodleвЂ™s 2D Sketcher 3D structure of Phencyclidine obtained from ChemSpiderДҐ. TBP/TATA-box complex from Kim et al 1993 Nature 365:512-520 ( Protein Data Bank Entry 1YTB)Д¤. Geographically correct tube map from Google MapsДЈ. I could continue, but less might encourage you to come back for more.ДЎ. Visualisations can sometimes be made more powerful by stripping out information to focus on answering specific questions. The longevity of Harry BeckвЂ™s underground map is a reminder of the importance of the вЂњless is moreвЂќ approach. However, using every single variable we can get our hands on runs the risk of producing over-fitted biased models that make poor predictions. With the era of big data upon us we have access to larger and larger data sets and may get tempted to use as much data as possible to build models. вЂњLess is moreвЂќ can also apply to machine learning. Simple strings of letters are used when hunting for patterns in gene sequences, whilst a more detailed view of how proteins unravel DNA helps us understand how our genes are activated. Proteins and DNA are also represented with varying levels of information. However, when modelling how a molecule interacts with a biological target then accuracy of 3D shape and charge distributions will be required. We donвЂ™t label every carbon, explicitly draw every hydrogen atom or get our rulers out to draw bond lengths to scale. In science we often use the вЂњless is moreвЂќ approach to clearly and concisely communicate chemical structures to one another. However, if the sun was shining and I wanted to walk part of my journey then I would head to Google Maps. When planning my next underground trip BeckвЂ™s representation is a clear preference. Both are useful and informative in their own right. The geographically correct version of the tube map (obtained via Google Maps) is shownВ above alongside of Transport for LondonвЂ™s map. His innovative idea is a very good example of how sometimes вЂњless is moreвЂќ. Beck recognised that it was far more important for the map to clearly illustrate the connections between tube stations rather than get lost in the true geographic detail. In this fast paced, constantly evolving, modern technology driven city, it is a pleasure to see we are still using the same beautiful visualisation that was invented by Harry Beck over 80 years ago. Recently Transport for London introduced a new version of their underground map to depict the Night Tube service that commences in September 2015.

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