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G-DRAGON And LINE FRIENDS Collaborate To Create ‘ZO&FRIENDS’

ZO&FRIENDS By G-DRAGON & LINE FRIENDS

LINE FRIENDS

It looks like global superstar G-DRAGON is joining in on the LINE FRIENDS collaboration train to launch their new IP character, ‘ZO&FRIENDS.’

After two years in the making, LINE FRIENDS officially unveiled the new character this week in a partnership with G-DRAGON’s Galaxy Corporation. From character design and world building to storyline, product development, and pop-up concept, G-DRAGON personally worked closely to bring this to life.

‘ZO&FRIENDS’ reflects G-DRAGON’s emotional depth and creativity, inspired by his personal life and symbols. The main character, ZOA, is based on his pet cat, Princess Zoa. The other character, A&NE, is inspired by the daisy flower – his symbolic motif. The characters reflect G-DRAGON’s unique and eclectic style, and are brought to life through LINE FRIENDS’ storytelling expertise. Even the name, ZO&FRIENDS, plays on the Korean word “good friends,” symbolizing the relationship between ZOA and A&NE.

The backstory for ZOA is that she was born from the clouds and is always moving in slow motion. She is a cool yet warm-hearted cloud-cat with colorful paw prints given to her by mischievous color drops, AKI and ZAKI. Her best friend A&NE is a loveable fashionista Daisy. Together, they embody the artist’s intention to convey healing and comfort. These imperfect yet perfect friends embark on an enchanting journey filled with artistry.

ZO&FRIENDS By G-DRAGON & LINE FRIENDS

LINE FRIENDS

Play Puzzles & Games on Forbes

G-DRAGON was heavily involved throughout the two years of development for the characters. The line has been a passion project for the fashion icon who has extended his brand beyond music, fashion, and design. To mark the launch, LINE FRIENDS will open a ZO&FRIENDS pop-up store this summer in Korea, with plans to roll out the line globally in phases.

ZO&FRIENDS will launch in the U.S. in September. Products will include plushies (large display style M-XL size), plush key rings, home goods (rugs, plates, etc), fashion goods, and more.

LINE FRIENDS and G-DRAGON had previously collaborated through LINE FRIENDS’ keyring brand MONAMHEE and G’DRAGON’s fashion label PEACEMINUSONE to create a keyring collection sold at the “PMO X MONAMHEE Pop-Up event at LINE FRIENDS SQUARE Myeongdong.

G-DRAGON is currently on his ÜBERMENSCH World Tour in Asia and is set to perform in North America and Europe starting next month.

LINE FRIENDS will release more information on ‘ZO&FRIENDS’ on site soon.

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July 15, 2025
Some Australian dolphins use sponges to hunt fish, but it’s harder than it looks

WASHINGTON (AP) — Some dolphins in Australia have a special technique to flush fish from the seafloor. They hunt with a sponge on their beak, like a clown nose.

Using the sponge to protect from sharp rocks, the dolphins swim with their beaks covered, shoveling through rubble at the bottom of sandy channels and stirring up barred sandperch for a meal.

But this behavior — passed down through generations — is trickier than it looks, according to new research published Tuesday in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Hunting with a sponge on their face interferes with bottlenose dolphins’ finely tuned sense of echolocation, of emitting sounds and listening for echoes to navigate.

“It has a muffling effect in the way that a mask might,” said co-author Ellen Rose Jacobs, a marine biologist at the University of Aarhus in Denmark. “Everything looks a little bit weird, but you can still learn how to compensate.”

Jacobs used an underwater microphone to confirm that the “sponging” dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia, were still using echolocation clicks to guide them. Then she modeled the extent of the sound wave distortion from the sponges.

For those wild dolphins that have mastered foraging with nose sponges, scientists say it’s a very efficient way to catch fish. The wild marine sponges vary from the size of a softball to a cantaloupe.

Sponge hunting is “like hunting when you’re blindfolded — you’ve got to be very good, very well-trained to pull it off,” said Mauricio Cantor, a marine biologist at Oregon State University, who was not involved in the study.

That difficulty may explain why it’s rare — with only about 5% of the dolphin population studied by the researchers in Shark Bay doing it. That’s about 30 dolphins total, said Jacobs.

“It takes them many years to learn this special hunting skill — not everybody sticks with it,” said marine ecologist Boris Worm at Dalhousie University in Canada, who was not involved in the study.

Dolphin calves usually spend around three or four years with their mothers, observing and learning crucial life skills.

The delicate art of sponge hunting is “only ever passed down from mother to offspring,” said co-author and Georgetown marine biologist Janet Mann.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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July 15, 2025
Sponge hunting: How some dolphins protect their noses while foraging

WASHINGTON (AP) — Some dolphins in Australia have a special technique to flush fish from the seafloor. They hunt with a sponge on their beak, like a clown nose.

Using the sponge to protect from sharp rocks, the dolphins swim with their beaks covered, shoveling through rubble at the bottom of sandy channels and stirring up barred sandperch for a meal.

But this behavior — passed down through generations — is trickier than it looks, according to new research published Tuesday in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Hunting with a sponge on their face interferes with bottlenose dolphins’ finely tuned sense of echolocation, of emitting sounds and listening for echoes to navigate.

“It has a muffling effect in the way that a mask might,” said co-author Ellen Rose Jacobs, a marine biologist at the University of Aarhus in Denmark. “Everything looks a little bit weird, but you can still learn how to compensate.”

Jacobs used an underwater microphone to confirm that the “sponging” dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia, were still using echolocation clicks to guide them. Then she modeled the extent of the sound wave distortion from the sponges.

For those wild dolphins that have mastered foraging with nose sponges, scientists say it’s a very efficient way to catch fish. The wild marine sponges vary from the size of a softball to a cantaloupe.

Sponge hunting is “like hunting when you’re blindfolded — you’ve got to be very good, very well-trained to pull it off,” said Mauricio Cantor, a marine biologist at Oregon State University, who was not involved in the study.

That difficulty may explain why it’s rare — with only about 5% of the dolphin population studied by the researchers in Shark Bay doing it. That’s about 30 dolphins total, said Jacobs.

“It takes them many years to learn this special hunting skill — not everybody sticks with it,” said marine ecologist Boris Worm at Dalhousie University in Canada, who was not involved in the study.

Dolphin calves usually spend around three or four years with their mothers, observing and learning crucial life skills.

The delicate art of sponge hunting is “only ever passed down from mother to offspring,” said co-author and Georgetown marine biologist Janet Mann.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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July 15, 2025
Samsung Members Connect 2025 Unfolds on a Global Stage in New York – Samsung Global Newsroom

On July 8 (local time), Samsung Electronics hosted Samsung Members Connect 2025 in New York City, welcoming over 70 Samsung Members Stars selected from 17 countries around the world.

Samsung Members is a pre-loaded app and all related activities that provide access to a variety of Galaxy-related news, benefits and community activities. Within the app’s community, highly active users who consistently share high-quality content and engage with others are selected as Samsung Members Stars (hereinafter “Members”).

At the July 2025 Samsung Members Connect, Members were among the first to get hands-on with the newly unveiled Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and the next evolution of Galaxy AI.

Through a series of curated programs, they captured and shared their real-time experiences — offering authentic insights with their local communities. Teaming up with influencers from #TeamGalaxy, Members co-created content that showcased the energy and excitement of the moment.

Their shared journey is now live on Samsung Newsroom. Let’s take a look.

Orientation Kicks Off Connections Between Members

The event commenced with a Members Orientation, where participants introduced their past activities within the Samsung Members community. Members overcame language and cultural differences, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

▲ Samsung Members engaging and getting to know one another.

A Broader Experience Unfolds at Galaxy Unpacked 2025

One of the most anticipated highlights of the event was Galaxy Unpacked 2025, held in Brooklyn. Members attended in person, being among the very first to experience the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and the latest AI innovations.

The event showcased Samsung’s vision for multimodal Galaxy AI — technology that understands user intent, responds seamlessly and delivers truly personalized experiences. It marked another step forward in Galaxy AI’s evolution into a trusted companion in everyday life.

▲ Members attending and experiencing Galaxy Unpacked 2025 firsthand.

▲ Members in a hands-on session with the products at the Experience Zone after Galaxy Unpacked 2025.

Samsung Members Stars Florencia Danloy (Argentina) said, “The Galaxy Z Fold7, which I first experienced in New York, featured a much slimmer and more refined professional design. I could immediately feel the difference the moment I held it in my hand.

Following Galaxy Unpacked 2025, participants visited the Galaxy Experience Space, where they engaged in hands-on activities featuring AI-based multitasking and Google Gemini Live — presented in creative ways inspired by Korean culture.

Sophia Hwang, EVP and Head of Retail team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, said, “We hope you’ll take this opportunity to experience the innovation of our latest Galaxy products throughout the Galaxy Experience Space and share your insights with Samsung Members communities around the world.”

▲ Members exploring the Galaxy Experience Space.

▲ Group photo taken after EVP Sophia Hwang’s welcoming speech.

Members and #TeamGalaxy Shape Stories Together

The workshop brought Members and #TeamGalaxy together for a meaningful exchange of Galaxy knowledge and content creation insights. Drawing on their individual strengths, they collaborated on the next day’s group mission — discussing Galaxy’s new features, planning storylines and selecting key New York landmarks that would best capture their creative messages.

▲ Members and #TeamGalaxy planning their content shoot together.

An ‘Epic Tour’ With the New Galaxy Devices in New York

Set against the urban backdrop of New York City, the ‘Epic Tour’ offered Members a chance to creatively experience the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7.

From creatively reinterpreting Broadway posters using AI to capturing unique moments at city landmarks with FlexCam, Members brought their ideas to life. Each team worked on concept planning, real-time filming and editing — culminating in compelling content co-produced with #TeamGalaxy.

Samsung Members Stars Darshan Kiran Jaiswal (India) said, “The magic of Galaxy AI goes beyond editing — it truly feels like having a creative partner right in your pocket!”

▲ Members and #TeamGalaxy working together on their mission.

At the Gala Night, Members enjoyed a meaningful evening set to live jazz and framed by the New York skyline. Members viewed creative group photos co-created with #TeamGalaxy during the Epic Tour mission. A live vote selected the best shot, adding a fun highlight to the evening.

▲ Sharing the group mission photos from the Epic Tour at Gala Night.

Over four inspiring days, Samsung Members Connect 2025 gave Members a unique opportunity to dive deep into the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and the next chapter of Galaxy AI. More than just a product showcase, it was a global platform for connection — strengthening the bond between Members and the brand.

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July 15, 2025
Alopecia-Related Stigma Linked to Greater Mental Health Burden Than Disease Itself
Christos Tziotzios, MD

Credit: X

The impact on quality of life among patients living with alopecia is determined largely by the negative perceptions and stigma linked to one’s illness, recent findings suggest.¹

These findings were the result of an analysis led by King’s College London, known to be the largest of its kind. It was published in the British Journal of Dermatology. The analysis was backed by an academic research grant from Pfizer and involved a survey of 596 adults known to be living with alopecia areata.

“Alopecia can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life, affecting not only their physical appearance but also their self-esteem and overall mental well-being,” Christos Tziotzios, MD, lead investigator and adjunct Senior Lecturer at the St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, said in a statement.¹ “Despite this, it is a condition that is often overlooked by healthcare professionals.”

Recent findings highlighted by HCPLive demonstrated varying levels of correlation between alopecia areata and anxiety and depression throughout countries such as the US, China, India, Japan, and Brazil.² These prior data reinforce the need for more attention on alopecia’s mental health impacts that was demonstrated in the new King’s College study.

“By identifying the underlying causes of poor mental health in individuals with alopecia, we can provide earlier and more targeted support,” Tziotzios said in his statement.¹ “We are now hoping to research the impact of alopecia on adolescent patients and their families via the global collaborative Alopecia+us study and very much hope for as many participants to come forward and contribute.”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. The skin disease typically begins with small, round or oval bald patches which are found on the scalp or elsewhere around the body. More advanced cases may result in total loss of scalp hair, also known as alopecia totalis, or complete body hair loss, known as alopecia universalis.

Despite the widespread impact of the hair loss condition among populations around the world, alopecia is still often dismissed. Those who dismiss the condition often believe it is simply a cosmetic concern rather than a legitimate medical one, Tziotzios and coauthors noted.¹ In fact, within their analysis, over half of respondents in this new analysis reported feeling ashamed or self-conscious about their condition. More than 1 in 3 reported that their everyday activities—such as academics, work, housework, family activities, or leisure—were negatively impacted.

Overall, the data suggest a strong link between positive perceptions of the condition and reduced levels of anxiety among patients. In other words, those who maintained a more constructive outlook on their illness tended to experience fewer symptoms of anxiety.

The investigative team highlighted that incorporating evaluations of stigma and illness perception into regular clinical assessments could allow for greater insights among healthcare professionals into the lived experiences of individuals living with alopecia. The help provided by earlier psychological interventions could help counteract negative beliefs and diminish stigma felt by such patients, thereby leading to coping mechanism improvements.

The team has also announced the launch of the global ‘Alopecia+us’ study, an analysis funded by the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA) and supported by King’s Health Partners. This study is set to examine the ways in which alopecia affects younger patients during adolescence, as well as their families, in real-life settings.

In their description, the investigators highlighted participant, Lorna Pender, 41, from York, an ex-National Health Services (NHS) physician, who was first diagnosed with alopecia areata at age 8. Pender had noted that this early diagnosis left her feeling deeply insecure as well as socially isolated.

“I spent four years trying to navigate to an alopecia expert in the NHS who would entertain having a high-level scientific consultation with me, and two dermatologists in Yorkshire whose response was indifference and indignance that there was nothing they could offer me,” Pender said in a statement.¹ “Importantly there was no focus on my mental health.”

Pender described this experience as traumatizing, noting the challenges of further self-advocacy. Pender added that where it not for the aid of a national alopecia expert located in London responding to emails, the situation could have deteriorated further.

“This is exactly why Alopecia + me research is vital for driving this paradigm shift in the way dermatology and alopecia care incorporates the person living with the psychological impact of alopecia,” Pender said in her statement.¹ “As we see in this research, this is not linked to alopecia severity, demonstrating how psychological support is vital for all people with alopecia.”

References
1. King’s College London. Stigma driving depression in alopecia patients, rather than illness severity. EurekAlert! July 15 5, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1091126?.
2. Johnson V. Research Highlights High Rates of Anxiety and Depression With Alopecia Areata. HCPLive. July 8, 2025. Accessed July 15, 2025. https://www.hcplive.com/view/research-highlights-high-rates-of-anxiety-and-depression-with-alopecia-areata.
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July 15, 2025
Support from satellite services grows to 18% of UK GDP

TAMPA, Fla. — New research released by the UK Space Agency underscores the country’s growing reliance on satellite technologies, which supported industries accounting for about 18% of national gross domestic product (GDP) based on the most recent data.

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Jason Rainbow writes about satellite telecom, finance and commercial markets for SpaceNews. He has spent more than a decade covering the global space industry as a business journalist. Previously, he was Group Editor-in-Chief for Finance Information Group,… More by Jason Rainbow

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July 15, 2025
Meghan Markle to tighten Harry rope before peace talks ?

Meghan Markle to tighten Harry rope before peace talks ?

Meghan Markle is set to ultimately decide the future of Prince Harry and the Royal Family.

The Duchess of Sussex, who is residing in California with children Archie and Lilibet, will make a decision whether Harry’s peace talks with King Charles would go any further.

Former Sun Royal Correspondent Charles Rae told GB News the Duchess of Sussex is “the fly in the ointment” and could be the only road bump in a peaceful future of the Royal Family.

This comes as The Duke of Sussex and His Majesty are focusing on ending their five year long dues ever since Harry left the UK in 2020.

Royal expert Emily Ferguson writes for Express: “Father and son have had a fraught relationship since Harry and Meghan decided to quit as senior royals in favour of a new life in America. In the five years since Megxit, the couple have levelled numerous public attacks at the Firm, souring relations with not just the King, but the wider Royal Family.”

She adds: “No battle lines were drawn, simply an informal conversation between two sides who clearly want the same thing: a way forward and an end to the bitter feud that has engulfed the House of Windsor.”

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July 15, 2025
Trip drink advert banned for claiming it makes you calm

Faarea Masud

Business reporter

Trip

An advert by Trip drinks has been banned for making unauthorised claims it can “help you feel calm”.

The ad for the drink, which includes cucumber, mint and magnesium also claimed it could help or reduce stress and anxiety.

This was not in line with rules on marketing food or drink ingredients as having health benefits, the advertising watchdog’s investigation found.

Trip said it had removed the claims while it awaited external advice but hoped to be in a position to make the claims in the future.

Trip drinks has tapped in to a burgeoning market for non-alcoholic drinks, advertising widely on social media and positioning itself as a brand that uses ingredients that, it claims, relax people.

It calls itself the “UK’s No.1 CBD brand”. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is an extract of the marijuana plant and is commonly advertised as a relaxant, though it does not induce a “high” like other compounds found in the plant.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld three complaints made against Trip’s advert for its cucumber and mint flavoured drink. It appeared on its website in December with the words: “Try me in the morning to help find some calm before a long day, or take a Trip to unwind when work is over.”

The ASA found the company made a host of claims about its “Mindful Blend” range having “viral ingredients”, that were “calming”. These included supplements Lion’s Mane extract, L-theanine and ashwagandha.

Trip

Trip’s banned advert made health claims which are prohibited, the ad watchdog said

The Great Britain nutrition and health claims register sets out which nutrition and health claims are permitted in adverts for food or supplements. These were not permitted, the ASA found.

Some of the language used in the advert, such as “crafted for calm” and “simply help you feel calm” would lead consumers to deduce that Trip drinks reduce anxiety, the ASA ruling said. These were implications that were prohibited by the GB register, it said.

The watchdog also found the advert’s suggestion that the magnesium in the drink could reduce serum cortisol levels breached the code. Cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone.

The ASA also found that Trip’s claim of “0g added sugar” were inaccurate and therefore breached the ASA’s codes of advertising.

The watchdog ruled that the ad must not appear again in the same form, and said it had told Trip not to make claims that its drinks could prevent, treat or cure human disease.

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July 15, 2025
UK taskforce calls for disability training for all airline and airport staff | Air transport

Airline and airport staff should have mandatory training in disability and accessibility awareness, a government taskforce has urged, to ease the stress, confusion and harm experienced by the growing numbers of passengers requiring assistance to travel.

A report from the group, led by the crossbench peer and former Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson, said the experience of flying for disabled people “can be ad hoc, inconsistent and sometimes catastrophic”.

It said clearer information and standard practices should be adopted across the industry for mobility equipment and guide dogs, along with improved accessibility and complaints procedures.

Disabled passengers had given “multiple examples of being treated in an undignified manner” by airport security staff and said security was a “key area of anxiety and concern”, the taskforce said.

A series of stories of disabled passengers being badly let down by airlines and airports have hit the headlines in recent years. The BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner described last October how he had to “crawl to the toilet” on a flight and said he had been left stuck on landed planes at least four times. In 2022 an elderly man requiring assistance fell down an escalator at Gatwick and later died.

Lady Grey-Thompson’s report warns of “a clear gap in the training and awareness of security staff in the treatment of disabled passengers and their equipment”, and it says ground staff need training to “understand the importance of equipment and the impact of damage on passengers”.

It highlights widespread confusion for passengers in booking and airline policies on seats, companions and assistance dogs, or travelling with health conditions that require medical equipment such as oxygen or medication. The group also found there was limited awareness of non-visible impairments, contributing to “unintentional exclusion and undignified treatment”.

They said more work was needed to address mobility aids, with many stowed in the hold and damaged, and passengers sometimes denied boarding due to battery safety requirements, causing “significant stress, inconvenience and in some cases physical harm”.

Grey-Thompson said there were “tough challenges” but the scope for action was limited by the international nature of aviation, meaning following the 19 key recommendations in the report would owe more to goodwill than enforcement.

The former wheelchair athlete, who has herself been left stranded on planes and trains, added: “Some of the cases of poor experiences hit the media headlines but the reality is most do not.”

According to data from the Civil Aviation Authority, 5.5 million passengers requested assistance at a UK airport in 2024, approximately 1.9% of all passengers – a proportion 40% greater than just before the pandemic, and double that in 2010.

The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Everyone should be able to travel with dignity and be respected at every stage of their journeys, including disabled passengers. That’s why we established this group in November last year, and I welcome this report’s findings which will clear the runway for greater accessibility in aviation. I know industry is working hard to make services more inclusive for all and I look forward to seeing these proposals becoming a reality.”

Tim Alderslade, the chief executive of Airlines UK, said: “As demand for assistance services continues to increase, airlines remain committed to removing barriers so that flying is accessible to all.”

Karen Dee, the chief executive of AirportsUK, said: “The recommendations in this report will help build on the work already being done by airports and the wider sector to ensure air travel is accessible to all.”

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July 15, 2025
Prince William ‘wound’ deep amid Harry peace efforts

Prince William ‘wound’ deep amid Harry peace efforts

Prince William is deeply wounded and will never forget Prince Harry, says an expert.

The Prince of Wales, who is at the backseat as his father, King Charles and brother Prince Harry try to make amends, will never be able to forgive the damage caused in the family.

A source tells Mail Online: “The Prince of Wales remains deeply wounded by Prince Harry’s various allegations in his memoir and endless broadcast interviews over the last few years.”

“There are no plans to either make contact with or arrange to see the Duke of Sussex in the near future and regardless of any members of the family seeking reconciliation, that is certainly not on the prince’s mind. Both the Prince and Princess of Wales are entirely focussed on their various important duties and their own family,” they add.

“It’s no coincidence that William and Catherine did not have a representative at the Royal Over-Seas League,” says one of the royal couple’s alleged friends.

“They were not asked to send anyone and will be treating the talks with extreme caution,” they noted.

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July 15, 2025