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Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
8 things to know about Zhao Liying, global brand ambassador for Givenchy Beauty
Zhao Liying returned to the small screen in 2024 with Unseen Sister , a suspense drama produced by iQIYI. In it, she plays a woman drawn into a psychological mystery involving her twin, in a role that sharply departs from her earlier romantic leads. The series has been praised for its tight pacing and atmospheric tension, quickly climbing the platform's charts. For Zhao, it's another reminder of her range—and a pivot toward darker, more layered storytelling. 3. She stars alongside Zhang Ziyi in 'She's Got No Name' Above 'She's Got No Name' also stars Zhang Ziyi, Jackson Yee, Eric Wang (Chuanjun), Jiayin Lei and Mi Yang. Zhao Liying takes on a leading role in She's Got No Name , a historical suspense film directed by Peter Chan and co-starring Zhang Ziyi. The film reimagines the infamous 1945 Shanghai murder case involving a woman who dismembers her abusive husband, a story previously adapted by Chinese cinema icons. This version promises a more nuanced, female-driven take. For Zhao, it's a high-profile entry into arthouse cinema, sharing top billing with one of China's most acclaimed actresses. 4. Her career didn't start in film school Unlike many of her peers, Zhao didn't attend a top arts university. She studied electronics and information engineering at a vocational college and entered the entertainment industry after winning a Yahoo-sponsored talent competition in 2006. Her trajectory, from background actress to leading star, has made her something of a rarity in the industry, especially one that tends to favour graduates from Beijing Film Academy or the Central Academy of Drama. 5. She keeps her private life tightly controlled In an era of oversharing, Zhao Liying is surprisingly reserved. Her Weibo feed is mostly promotional, and her Instagram only has 11 posts. Her public appearances are highly curated, too. Even major life events—such as her marriage to actor Feng Shaofeng and subsequent divorce—have been addressed with brief, minimal statements. That level of discretion is partly why her Givenchy ambassadorship feels so intentional: she brings prestige without excessive tabloid noise. 6. She's no stranger to fashion campaigns Before Givenchy, Zhao had already been tapped by luxury brands. She has worked with Dior and Gucci, appeared in editorials for magazines and attended fashion week events in both Paris and Shanghai. Her style evolution—from girl-next-door looks to more structured, high-fashion silhouettes—mirrors her on-screen transformation from romantic heroines to more mature, complex characters. 7. She wears Givenchy Beauty's Le Rouge Velvet Matte lipstick in the new campaign In the campaign visuals for Givenchy Beauty, Zhao Liying wears the brand's Le Rouge Velvet Matte lipstick, a hero product for the maison. The shades were selected to complement her pared-back styling—classic, controlled and quietly powerful. It's a calculated image shift: Zhao has often been cast in softer, romantic roles, but here she appears sharp and self-assured. The campaign leans into her evolving persona while anchoring Givenchy's identity in modern elegance. 8. Zhao Liying is also a global ambassador for Galénic Her partnership with Givenchy isn't her only tie to French beauty. Zhao Liying is also the global ambassador for Galénic, a luxury skincare brand known for its pharmaceutical-grade formulations and minimalist aesthetic. Announced in early 2024, the collaboration positions Zhao at the intersection of science-driven skincare and high fashion. It also reinforces her role as a trusted beauty figure, not just a celebrity face, but someone with influence in both treatment and cosmetics categories.
National Observer
15-07-2025
- Health
- National Observer
Poor air quality can worsen pre-existing mental health challenges
The poor air quality that has blanketed swaths of central and Western Canada is not only infiltrating the lungs, but also distressing the mind. The federal government says people with mental illness are in a high-risk group prone to health problems when exposed to air pollution. Others who are most impacted when air quality plummets include seniors, pregnant people and those with lung or heart conditions. Environment Canada said Tuesday the air in parts of Saskatchewan and Inuvik is 'very high risk,' while Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Yellowknife are high- and moderate-risk areas due to wildfire smoke. Dr. Sean Kidd, a senior scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, said polluted air can make people feel trapped, particularly those who are homeless and can't avoid the outdoors, as well as people who don't have air conditioning and have to open their windows during heat waves. That can exacerbate stressors and intensify distress for anyone who experiences mental-health challenges. "Being out in an environment like this, it's distressing, right? Especially if you can't escape it." High heat, humidity and air pollution are adding to the stresses weathered by all Canadians, but those already experiencing mental health challenges are particularly troubled by them. The combination of heat, humidity and air pollution can also cloud cognition, making people more irritable and reactive, which can lead to substance abuse, Kidd said. Kidd said evidence suggests there's also an increase in domestic violence and interpersonal conflict during extreme weather events. The United Nations (UN) reported in April that climate change could be linked to one in every ten cases of intimate partner violence by the end of the century if action is not taken to interrupt that trajectory. A 2018 study cited in the UN report found intimate partner femicide rose 28 per cent during heat waves in Madrid. Among the solutions is creating better, more stable housing that reduces exposure to high-risk air, and in doing so, improves health and well-being across the board, Kidd said. 'It's not just about breathing bad air," Kidd said. "(It's) ultimately about having fewer people breathing air like this." Still, those who have access to cool indoor spaces can feel stuck inside and socially isolated, which can result in doom scrolling and worsen feelings of loneliness. Jiaying Zhao, a professor of psychology and sustainability at the University of British Columbia, said when wildfires pollute the air in Vancouver and the sky turns an orange hue, she tends to stay home. "I just don't interact with people. I'm isolated as a result of air pollution and that's not good. That can really exacerbate depressive symptoms and any kind of mental-health issues associated with depression," Zhao said. Some young people struggle with the crushing reality of climate change, said Zhao. When air quality plummets, those feelings can swing from abstract to material. 'That further exacerbates eco-anxiety, climate anxiety, that makes me, as well as others, think this is the end of the world. It does seem like an apocalypse,' said Zhao. Dr. Zarina Giannone, a registered psychologist in Vancouver, said it helps to think about what makes you feel safe and more in control of the exposure, which can include connecting with other people who are also exposed and isolated. "When they're not breathing in clean air or there's been a forest fire, which is common out here in B.C. — for the, for the air to really change suddenly and quite significantly like that — that can impact how people feel, how safe they feel; can kind of provoke more situational change in their mental status and wellness." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2025.
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Quarter of Millennial, Gen Z Used Family Money to Buy New Homes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Nearly one in four young Americans who recently purchased a home relied on family money—either as a cash gift or inheritance—for their down payment, according to a survey commissioned by Redfin. Why It Matters The findings, published on Monday, highlight the growing role of family support for millennial and Generation Z homebuyers, as housing affordability worsens nationwide due to increased prices, historically high mortgage rates and less consumer confidence in the long-term economy. The total number of unsold homes in the U.S. in June was up 20 percent compared with a year earlier, according to while inventory was up by 28.9 percent year-over-year. In the same month, pending home sales were down 1.6 percent from June 2024. Sellers have also had to wait a little longer, as homes last month spent a median of 53 days on the market before going under contract, five more days than a year ago. What To Know The Redfin-commissioned survey of 4,000 U.S. residents conducted by Ipsos in May found that 23.8 percent of recent Gen Z and millennial homebuyers had tapped family money for their down payment. Of those, 20.7 percent reported using a cash gift from family, and about 11 percent had received an inheritance. About 18 percent said they were able to save for a down payment by living with family or friends, illustrating multiple forms of intergenerational support in the current market. Chen Zhao, head of economics research at Redfin, told Newsweek via phone on Monday that the survey's results mimic concerns of the past three or four years going back to the COVID pandemic. The younger aspiring buyers still face massive hurdles today. "The ones who are successfully able to buy are relying on family support because most of us who are buying homes already own homes, and oftentimes you're able to use the equity from your first house to fund the next house," Zhao said. "But for a first-time home buyer, they're at a disadvantage." The root of this is home prices increasing about 45 percent for two years before the pandemic, Zhao said, with prices not really falling while mortgage rates simultaneously doubled. Millennials and Gen Z are more often going to their parents and families for financial assistance in putting a down payment on a home, with housing prices still in flux after the pandemic. Millennials and Gen Z are more often going to their parents and families for financial assistance in putting a down payment on a home, with housing prices still in flux after the pandemic. Getty Images More than half—56.5 percent—of Gen Z and millennial homebuyers reported saving directly from their paychecks, making this the most common path to a down payment. Other methods included selling stock investments (20.4 percent), working a second job (17.6 percent), selling cryptocurrency (12.7 percent) and receiving help from government or nonprofit organizations (less than 12 percent). "A lot of them are still relying on their own savings, but a lot of the time your own savings isn't enough unless if you're making an extremely high salary in a lot of markets," Zhao said. "And for the parents and their families who are investing in their kids, I think they recognize that there is this sort of need to do that if you want your kids to own a house." Historically, if you're looking to buy a house and determining mortgage payments, broadly speaking, past homebuyers could afford a monthly payment of about 30 percent or less of a median family's income, Zhao added. "Affordability has just gotten completely out of whack," she said. "So, now we are way above that affordability threshold. For parents of the younger generation who lived through this time period, they can see that happening. It's only all that surprising that a lot of families are willing to help the younger generation." The survey results came as home prices and mortgage payments reached near record highs across the country. The typical down payment rose to about $63,000 in 2024, a 7.5 percent increase from the previous year and equivalent to 16.3 percent of the median purchase price. Wage growth has failed to keep pace with escalating housing costs, making it increasingly challenging for younger Americans to afford a home on their own incomes. What People Are Saying Dan Close, Redfin Premier agent in Chicago, said in a statement: "People need to live somewhere, and living somewhere costs money. The problem right now: housing costs too much for a lot of people. Some of those people live with their parents, and some are lucky enough to get help from their parents for a down payment and/or their monthly housing payments. In cases where that's an option, it's not a bad time to buy and start building equity because it's a buyer's market and lots of sellers are giving concessions." What Happens Next With affordability challenges and high down payments persisting, reliance on family assistance may continue defining how young Americans enter the housing market. The data suggests intergenerational wealth could shape homeownership rates and patterns among Gen Z and millennials if current trends hold.
Metro
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Stephen Hendry makes Zhao Xintong prediction and Ronnie O'Sullivan comparison
Stephen Hendry feels world champion Zhao Xintong has an air of Ronnie O'Sullivan about him and expects plenty more success to come in his future. The 28-year-old beat Mark Williams to win his first world title in Sheffield in May, completing a remarkable return to the game. Zhao sat out for two years after a ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal, although he did not fix any matches himself, which is why his punishment was relatively light. In his first World Championship since his return he won four qualifying matches just to reach the Crucible, where he brushed aside Jak Jones, Lei Peifan, Chris Wakelin, O'Sullivan and Williams. Already a UK Championship and German Masters champion before he was banned in January 2023, the Cyclone was very highly thought of as an incredible talent on the baize and that has only been further cemented by his Crucible exploits. Hendry feels he makes the sport look easy in a way no one has since the Rocket came on the scene and expects multiple world titles in Zhao's future. 'I think Xintong is a special, special talent,' Hendry said on his Cue Tips YouTube channel. 'Since Ronnie O'Sullivan, no one's made the game look as easy as Zhao Xintong makes it look. 'He won the World Championship at a canter, really. Okay the draw opened up for him and he could have played other players but you can only beat who is in the other chair and he did it so comfortably. 'I think he's got that special something…if he didn't win another two or three World Championships I'd be very, very surprised. I think he's capable of being at the top of the sport. 'Obviously you've still got players like Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, the Selbys and Shaun Murphys of this world, who are going to be up there. But I think this guy he seems level headed enough and if he can get used to the expectations on his shoulders, I think he can go on to do special things in the sport.' Zhao is yet to play since he downed Williams 18-12 in the Crucible final, with his first match of the new season coming at the Shanghai Masters at the end of this month. He has been busy, though, with his profile exploding in China thanks to becoming the first winner of the World Snooker Championship from the country. The sport is extremely popular in China and while he is set to make plenty of cash from the opportunities which will now present themselves as world champion, he will also have to deal with the pressure of fame. Speaking to Hendry, Zhao said: 'I think it's a big change for me, life's changed, I've got a little bit famous in China. When I walk on the road, fans know me, I'm very happy I can feel that. 'I'm looking forward to next season. I know the season has started now, so I've watched some matches on my phone. I'm looking forward to my first match at the Shanghai Masters. 'When you're famous you get big pressure, I know that but I will try to keep to myself, just keep going, don't think a lot about the media and the internet. I just want to keep to myself.' Beaten finalist Williams also compared Zhao to a young Rocket, saying at the Crucible: 'He's close to as good to watch as O'Sullivan when he was younger. He just walks around the table as if he's just walking to go to the toilet or something. 'He's just strolling. Pots from anywhere. Walks around not a care in the world. Two minutes later he's on 65. Gee whizz! He's got to sixty like that. Frightening.' More Trending While the Welshman can also see the Cyclone breezing to more world titles, he does not see Zhao matching O'Sullivan and Hendry's record of seven, or the Rocket's eight Masters and UK Championship titles. 'No. I don't think anyone will ever challenge them records because the standard is too good to get that many Worlds and Masters and UKs it's too tough,' said Williams. 'Who knows? But it will be highly unlikely.' The Shanghai Masters gets underway on July 28, with Zhao due to play either Chris Wakelin or a wildcard player on July 30. It will be the first time Zhao has played in the current non-ranking version of the Shanghai Masters, which was won last season by Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan on the four editions prior to last year. MORE: Snooker icon warns rivals about 16-year-old rookie with huge future ahead of him MORE: Stephen Hendry puts Ronnie O'Sullivan second in top five snooker players to watch MORE: The players who had dream and nightmare first weeks of the snooker season
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
China develops 74 mg ultra-light brain controller that turns bees into tiny soldiers
Chinese researchers have developed the world's lightest brain control device that can precisely direct a bee's movement, according to a report by South China Morning Post. The technology, led by Professor Zhao Jieliang's team at the Beijing Institute of Technology, was published on June 11 in the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering. The brain control device weighs only 74 milligrams, which is lighter than the nectar a bee can carry. It is fixed on the bee's back and connects to its brain using three fine needles. Electrical signals sent through the device create artificial cues, guiding the bee to turn, move forward, or reverse. In tests, bees responded accurately to commands in nine out of ten attempts. Built on bee's natural efficiency Worker bees are known for their strength and range, capable of flying up to 5 kilometres while carrying nectar loads that weigh as much as 80% of their body mass. The researchers used this natural efficiency to create a high-performance robotic system. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo 'Insect-based robots inherit the superior mobility, camouflage capabilities and environmental adaptability of their biological hosts,' Zhao and colleagues wrote. 'Compared to synthetic alternatives, they demonstrate enhanced stealth and extended operational endurance, making them invaluable for covert reconnaissance in scenarios such as urban combat, counterterrorism and narcotics interdiction, as well as critical disaster relief operations.' Lighter and more advanced than earlier designs Before this, the lightest insect brain controller came from Singapore and was over three times heavier. It was used on beetles and cockroaches, which have shorter ranges and tire quickly. Live Events Zhao's team advanced the technology by printing circuits on an ultra-thin flexible film, nearly as thin as an insect wing. This film holds multiple chips, including one for infrared remote control, allowing more complex commands. In experiments, the device worked across nine pulse patterns. The researchers matched signals with movements in both bees and cockroaches. Bees could be steered mid-air, and cockroaches walked along defined paths with little deviation. Power and precision remain key challenges The device currently requires a wired power source. A small battery that could power it wirelessly would weigh around 600 milligrams, too heavy for a bee. Also, cockroaches showed signs of fatigue after ten uses. In some cases, insects responded differently to the same signal, and body parts like legs and abdomens did not respond at all. Zhao's team acknowledged these issues and said more work is needed to refine the system. 'In future research, precision and repeatability of insect behaviour control will be enhanced by optimising stimulation signals and control techniques,' they wrote. They also plan to improve the technology further. 'Concurrently expanding functional modules of the control backpack will improve environmental perception capabilities of insect-based robots , advancing their deployment in complex operational settings such as reconnaissance and detection missions.'
