Final answer:
Big Data refers to massive datasets that require advanced computational methods to analyze and extract meaningful patterns. The usage of Big Data is exemplified by projects like the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which handles terabytes of data to make astronomical discoveries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term Big Data refers to the extremely large datasets that require complex computational analysis to reveal patterns, trends, and associations. These data sets are characterized by their volume, velocity, and variety—often coming from various sources at high speeds and in large amounts that traditional data processing software cannot handle. An example of Big Data in action is the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), which accumulated over 15 terabytes of astronomical data. Analyzing such vast information necessitates the use of supercomputers and sophisticated algorithms.
Moreover, the advent of data research or in silico research presents new methodologies for data analysis, interpreting massive volumes of data stored in databases using computer algorithms, this reflects a notable shift in the field demanding specialists with expertise in both biology and computer science. In contemporary digital society, the ability to comprehend and interpret data is critical across various domains, making data analysis a fundamental skill in the modern workforce.