AN Irish woman has become the first adult in the world to receive a revolutionary REMOTE CONTROLLED 'ROBO SPINE', which uses magnets to combat the effects of scoliosis. Deirdre McDonnell, 34, from Drogheda, County Louth, can now stand tall for the first time after undergoing the pioneering MAGEC rod operation. The operation, also known as the magnetic expansion control system, involves the insertion of a magnetic rod that is screwed onto the spine and controlled externally in order to correct the curvature caused by scoliosis. Up until now, the £15K procedure has only been performed on children, as it was thought only to be effective for early onset scoliosis - typically diagnosed before the age of ten.
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .
MEET the real life sleeping beauty - who snoozed for TWO months when a rare sleep disorder took over her life and turned it into a nightmare .
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .
STRETCHING his little legs in the air, a smiley leaf-tailed gecko breaks free from his old, scaly skin .
A young mum has told how a phantom pregnancy almost destroyed her dream of having a second child .
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At least three people have been killed and more than 100 injured, some seriously, in two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon .
These photographs of extreme weather capture storms furiously rolling across the sky above America .
WELCOME to the 125 decibel boombox bus that could damage your hearing if you party too close to its giant speakers .
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The view from this rooftop pool is sure to make most holidaymakers envious .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .