Heritage Tourism Experiences

The Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, Karnataka, stands as a testament to India's rich architectural and engineering heritage. Among its many intricate carvings is a depiction of Masana Bhairava, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, holding what appears to be an advanced mechanical device. This sculpture has sparked discussions about the technological prowess of ancient Indian artisans. The device in question resembles a planetary gear system, characterized by an outer gear with 32 teeth and an inner gear with 16 teeth—a precise 2:1 ratio. Such mechanisms are fundamental in modern engineering, used in applications ranging from automobile transmissions to sophisticated machinery. The presence of this depiction in a centuries-old temple raises intriguing questions about the depth of mechanical knowledge possessed by our ancestors. Key Insights: 1. Advanced Understanding of Mechanics: The accurate representation of a planetary gear system suggests that ancient Indian craftsmen had a sophisticated grasp of mechanical principles. This challenges the conventional narrative that such knowledge was absent in ancient times. 2. Integration of Art and Science: The fusion of intricate artistry with precise mechanical representation indicates a holistic approach to knowledge, where art and science were not seen as separate domains but as interconnected disciplines. 3. Preservation of Knowledge: The detailed carvings serve as a medium to transmit complex ideas, ensuring that such knowledge was preserved and communicated across generations. This discovery not only highlights the ingenuity of ancient Indian artisans but also underscores the importance of re-examining historical artifacts with a fresh perspective. It prompts us to appreciate the advanced understanding embedded in our cultural heritage and encourages further exploration into the technological achievements of ancient civilizations. As we marvel at the Hoysaleswara Temple's architectural splendor, let us also acknowledge and celebrate the profound scientific insights it encapsulates. This serves as a powerful reminder of the rich legacy of innovation and knowledge that forms the foundation of our present and future advancements. #AncientIndia #EngineeringMarvels #CulturalHeritage #PlanetaryGears #HoysaleswaraTemple #Innovation

Disaggregated Data is one of the most powerful and important tools in storytelling, with proper context and nuance, and the advocacy that results when we know who needs help in what way. There are an estimated 24 million Americans of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian descent. A group this large is not a monolith. And while it’s important and necessary for us to stand under one banner to make sure our collective voices are heard, it does not serve us or the greater society when we are subjected to the pitfalls for a single narrative. Data like this is incredibly important to encourage others to ask their own thoughtful follow up questions when presented with high level data. When we aggregate complex data, the marginalized continue to have their voices and needs minimized and silenced. While it doesn’t exhaustively solve all problems, disaggregated data helps so much is telling the right story. 🤝 The White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in collaboration with AAPI Data has created a 2024 National Overview of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. This much-needed resource provides timely insights on AA and NHPI population numbers nationally and across states, including on languages spoken and demographic information pertaining to educational attainment, poverty, unemployment, and health insurance coverage. Big up’s to Krystal Kaai, Jamie Lok, Caroline Goon, Karthick Ramakrishnan, and all the other superheroes behind this crucial study! ✏ We encourage you to learn more about our diverse AA and NHPI communities and view the full fact sheet here: https://lnkd.in/egqyqkd3.

Approaching engagement projects with First Nations communities requires deep consideration. Cultural respect isn't a token gesture; it is vital for building trust and enduring relationships. Organisations and project teams must prioritise long-term relationship building, recognising that trust is cultivated over time and requires unwavering commitment. Remember, transparency and authenticity are non-negotiables in our work, ensuring that actions align with an organisation’s values and commitments and there is accountability to the communities we serve. By actively listening and learning from First Nations communities, any collaboration will be rooted in mutual respect and understanding. [Image description: Five key points that must be considered when engaging First Nations communities.]

As an inclusive travel advocate, I want to mark 'International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples' with this post. As travellers, industry leaders, and global citizens, today is an invitation to pause and reflect on the deep-rooted connections between Indigenous Peoples and the places we explore. Indigenous communities are not just part of the landscape,  they are the living heritage, knowledge keepers, and storytellers of many of the world’s most treasured destinations. Yet, too often, their voices are overlooked or commodified in tourism narratives. As someone passionate about inclusive travel, I believe our industry has a responsibility, and an opportunity to change this. Here’s how we can travel more consciously and inclusively: 🔸 Champion Indigenous-owned businesses From tour operators and guides to artisan markets and eco-lodges — seek them out, spotlight them, and include them in your supply chain. 🔸 Respect the culture, not just the content Promote Indigenous cultures with care. Honour traditions, avoid stereotypes, and let communities lead in how their stories are told. 🔸 Educate travellers Encourage mindful behaviour — asking permission before taking photos, learning local protocols, and engaging with history through Indigenous voices. Let’s make sure tourism benefits everyone, especially those whose cultures shape the very essence of the places we love. _______________________________________ I'm always keen to connect with others committed to making travel more inclusive and respectful. If you're working in this space, let’s talk. And if this post resonates, I’d love for you to share it, together, we can amplify the message.

Archaeological Discoveries Dating Back 10,000 Years at Um Jirsan Cave in Saudi Arabia 🔸️ For the first time, the Saudi Heritage Authority has revealed evidence of ancient human settlement in Um Jirsan Cave, also known as "Bahrah Khaybar", northwest of #Medina. This discovery is part of the "Green Arabian Peninsula Project" aimed at exploring the deep history of the region. 🔸️ Archaeological Evidence: ▪️ The oldest archaeological indications at the site date back to the Neolithic period, ranging between 7,000 and 10,000 years. ▪️ The cave was used by pastoral groups, with animal bone remains dated using radiocarbon dating to 4100 BC. 🔸️ Discovery Outcomes: ▪️ Human skulls found dating back to 6000 BC. ▪️ Diverse findings include wood, cloth, and stone tools. ▪️ Cave paintings depict scenes of goat, sheep, and cattle herding with dogs, as well as hunting scenes showing various types of wild animals. ▪️ The cave is rich with tens of thousands of animal bones, including striped hyenas, camels, horses, gazelles, and cattle. 🔸️ Extended Information: ▪️ The cave is located about 100 kilometers northwest of Medina. ▪️ It covers an area of approximately 2,500 square meters with a height reaching up to 20 meters. ▪️ The cave is believed to have been used as a shelter and a place for hunting, slaughtering, and religious rituals. ▪️ Studies indicate that the climate was more humid during the Neolithic period, which supported human settlement. ▪️ Um Jirsan is one of the largest caves in the region, increasing its archaeological and geological significance. ▪️ The conducted studies included analyses of stone tools and cave decorations, providing deeper insights into the cultural and technical practices of ancient inhabitants. ▪️ Recent discoveries reinforce the hypothesis that this area was home to diverse human communities through the ages, contributing to a redefinition of Saudi Arabia's history. 🔸️ Research Team and Publication: ▪️ The archaeological research at Um Jirsan Cave was conducted by a team of archaeologists from the Heritage Authority in collaboration with King Saud University, the Max Planck Institute in Germany, and the Saudi Geological Survey. ▪️ The findings were published in the journal "PLOS ONE", reflecting the scientific significance of the discoveries made at this site.

Starting off the New Year with a new publication! Happy to share this paper coming out of a recent collaboration with Sid O’Bryant, Ph.D. and his team at HSC's Institute for Translational Medicine. We found significant associations between AD plasma biomarkers and PF measures, with notable differences across race and ethnicity groups. These results highlight the importance of considering ethnic/racial differences when assessing the relationship between AD biomarkers and physical health. The study underscores the need for personalized approaches in developing risk profiles and interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in underrepresented minority populations.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞-𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐦? As of 2025, about 86% of genomics studies have been conducted in individuals of European descent -up from 81% in 2016. In contrast, Latin Americans are hardly represented in GWAS (~0.38%), despite comprising 650M+ people worldwide. ✺ 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 -𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥- 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘴? Nature Medicine just featured the MexVar database 🇲🇽. (link below). Here is why it matters. 🟣 MADE IN EUROPE African, East/South Asian, and admixed American populations are as genetically diverse as they are underrepresented in major datasets. The paradox: ►Precision medicine tailors interventions based on genetic, clinical, and environmental factors. ►Two decades after the completion of the Human Genome Project, European ancestry (<15% population) still dominate most studies. ✺ Is your algorithm excluding 90% of the population? 🟣 ZOOMING INTO LATAM Latin America is genetically rich, but data poor. The number of ethnographic groups depends on who is counting. While a few reduce them to 7 ethnic groups, the most consistent figure is approximately 800, primarily indigenous (ECLAC 2014 and later). Historical admixture adds complexity. 🟣 ADMIXTURE Human populations are not static. Instead, they have always been shaped by mixing between groups (admixture). Latin American genomes reflect colonial-era mixing, leading to heterogeneous ancestry proportions that vary by country, region, and even within. Admixture mapping in Latam is key to identifying genetic variants linked to diseases. 🟣 ABOUT THE MXB PROJECT Mexico’s rich genetic mix is underrepresented in genomics research. The Mexican Biobank (MXB) set out to tackle this deficit. The study analysed genetic data from 6K+ diverse individuals, linking 1.8m genetic markers to health traits and diseases to create a comprehensive genotype–phenotype resource. A few findings. 🟣 DNA MATTERS. POSTCODE TOO. ►MXB studies for 22 complex traits showed improved prediction vs those based on European cohorts (UK). =Large, diverse biobanks improve trait prediction and research. (i.e. Admixture mapping+ GWAS + population structure/ local ancestry inference). ►Environment (urbanisation, altitude, education) significantly affects complex traits. =The postcode adds to the genetic mix (i.e. height and obesity- Indigenous ancestries have lower BMI). ►Genetics + environment -including ROH, ancestry, and sociocultural variables-contribute to trait variation in BMI, triglycerides, glucose, and height. =Genotype–phenotype models from underrepresented groups are critical to uncover biomedical insights) ►The MXB shows us how this is done. 🟣 BIG PICTURE Ancestry or identity isn’t only a label: it also carries health traits. Discrimination creates bias in polygenic risk scores, PM, and drug development. Is #precisionmedicine contributing to inequality❓ Precisely. 🟣 i-Expand ➟ #CommercialDD #genomics

📣 NEW PAPER! 📣 (Im)possible categorisation? Using multiple correspondence analysis on ‘mixed’ ethnic categories in UK higher education https://lnkd.in/ecN9AdMi My old PhD supervisor, Adrian Leguina, and I have FINALLY published our long-awaited publication, where we use a distinct quantitative data analysis method - multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) - on the under considered mixed ethnic category in UK higher education. The paper opens with a story, where I was invited to develop a module intended to address the awarding gap between Black and White students, and I was told that Black mixed ethnic students were excluded on the grounds that they were not statistically significant enough to be included. That, is the main driving force behind all the work we are doing to bring more attention to the 'mixed' ethnic group. The method of MCA is a multidimensional technique for analysing categorical data. Basically, it takes multiple intersectional data points from respondents, and maps them into one data point, in an attempt to ensure more than 'race' and ethnicity is considered when doing an analysis of ethnic categories. We had three main findings: 1. When investigating the mixed ethnic category closer, the data is so sporadically placed, when it is homogenised into one 'group' it does not represent anyone accurately in that group. 2. Mixed ethnic men were more likely to have similar responses to monoracially white men, whereas mixed ethnic women were more likely to have similar responses to ethnically minoritized women. 3. There were several invisible communities because of this, and notions of belonging in higher education were more complicated than we would initially think. This paper was not necessarily about bringing new empirical evidence, but rather introducing a new method of analysis that was able to find these interesting data results within such a varied 'mixed' ethnic group. We do not know why there are these differences - and that is where we hand it off to you! We encourage people to read this paper and expand on our findings, as you never know, you could find something that changes the lives of mixed ethnic students for the better.

Excited to Share Our Latest Publication in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe Our new commentary, “Beyond Broad Categories: Understanding Ethnic Differences in Long COVID,” is now published — and it tackles an issue that’s been hiding in plain sight. Long COVID has reshaped the lives of millions, yet its impact is far from equal. Women, ethnic minority groups, and migrant communities often bear a disproportionate burden, but too much of the existing evidence still treats these populations as monolithic blocks. That approach masks critical differences — and risks leaving the most affected groups unseen. In this piece, we discuss why breaking down broad ethnic categories isn’t just a methodological preference but a public health necessity. I highlight emerging evidence showing striking within‑group variation, discuss the structural and clinical factors that shape risk, and reflect on new findings from Mallinson et al. that challenge some of our assumptions. The message is clear: if we want equitable long COVID care, we need data and policies that reflect the real diversity of the populations we serve. Grateful to Prof. Marie Nørredam who contributed to this work and to the wider community pushing for more nuanced, equity‑focused research. Read the full commentary here: https://lnkd.in/dvwXknAz

🩺 How is ethnicity actually recorded in NHS records? 🩺 Using OpenSAFELY we showed how your ethnicity was a factor in how you experienced the pandemic, outcomes of the disease and likelihood to get vaccinated. But how well is ethnicity being recorded in primary care, and how reliable is this data for driving equitable healthcare solutions? In our latest study, we analysed the completeness and consistency of ethnicity data in the OpenSAFELY-TPP database, encompassing records from over 25 million patients in England. Our findings include; 🔔 78.2% of patients had their ethnicity recorded, increasing to 92.5% when hospital data is included. 🛏 Ethnicity records were more complete for women and patients with chronic conditions, likely due to their frequent interactions with healthcare services -  understandable as these groups are more likely to visit the NHS 🌍 Primary care records closely matched the ethnic breakdown from the 2021 UK Census, though regional variations exist, with recording rates ranging from 77% in the South East to 82.2% in the West Midlands. Getting into the weeds there are lots of interesting findings - 3.1% of patients with a recorded ethnicity had at least one ethnicity record that was not the same as the latest recorded ethnicity. Now this might be because of poor data entry, but we do know people’s sense of ethnicity can change over time so it might be representative of genuine variation over someone's life course The full paper has lots of interesting nuggets for researchers doing research on the impacts of the pandemic. And to make it easy to incorporate into your studies all our code is openly available including codelists for the 2001 NHS standard of ethnicity reporting but also updated SNOMED lists we made in 2022!