The average height of European men rose by 11 centimetres (4.4 inches) between 1870 and 1980, an unprecedented spurt linked mainly to better health, a study published on Monday says.

European astron-omers on Wednesday said a galaxy born in the childhood of the Universe lies at least 13 billion light years away, making it the remotest object ever observed.

Australian Mark Webber has extended his contract with the Red Bull team until 2011, the Formula One outfit confirmed on Monday.