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.
Raising his arms above his head and lying flat on his back, a polar bear stretches as he sprawls out across the ice .
HOTSPOT MEDIA - BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH AR' KID: A POSTAL SORTER has perfected the art of time travel by delivering images that are from the past .
With luminous colours and alien- like features, these magical mushrooms look like they belong on another planet .
SPLASHING around in a paddling pool, this little elephant soaks up the sunshine .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
A little clownfish opens its mouth to reveal a blood sucking intruder living on its tongue .
A proud gorilla mum welcomes her newborn baby western lowland gorilla, a critically endangered species .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
From foster care to the MAGICAL world of cosplay, a young girl’s dreams become reality after being adopted by a photography loving couple .
An Italian photographer travelled to northern India where he visited poverty stricken suburbs and captured ordinary people in a series of intimate and expressive portraits .
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 .