Cambridge University researchers say applying a steady physical pressure of about 12.5 bar can roughly double lithium‑ion cell life in lab tests; pressure above that promotes lithium plating on the anode, while too little pressure causes cathode cracking, both accelerating degradation. Authors say the method could extend EV battery service life, reduce battery scrappage and recycling strain, and lower demand for critical minerals such as nickel and cobalt — implications for mining supply, EV res

Sustained rainfall pushed inflow to Zhexi Reservoir (Yiyang, Hunan) to 8,870 m3/s at 22:00 on July 6; under major-river flood-numbering rules the event is designated "Zishui 2026 No.1 flood". The Ministry of Water Resources is intensifying monitoring, forecasting and warnings and directing local authorities to strengthen scientific scheduling of water-engineering operations and implement flood-defence measures to protect lives and property.

After the Bank of England published its Financial Stability Report, sterling traded near one-year highs against the euro and UK gilt yields remained elevated with little change. The report says the UK financial system remains resilient and continues to support the real economy despite developments in the Middle East, but flags vulnerabilities in risk assets, sovereign debt and high‑yield credit. The FCA and PRA are reviewing measures including removing the countercyclical leverage buffer from banks’ leverage requirements and cutting the minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio from 3.25% to 3%.