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.
A small Indian monkey is seemingly gob-smacked after reading the latest stock market news .
A little caterpillar fearlessly scampers down a branch and confronts a praying mantis .
The beds are consumed by moss instead of customers at this abandoned hotel .
Beautiful turquoise waves rise and fall in a series of stunning images taken along the coastline of south-eastern Australia .
FROM motorcycling to department store shopping these spookily faceless people are part of the Chinese-fad for wearing protective solar-visors in public .
FLEXING his muscles and staring straight at his opponent, this bodybuilding squirrel is the nuts .
Sprawled out on top of a log, this sleeping leopard takes a relaxing break from his daily routine .
Throwing a right hook as he launches onto his opponent with his gnarling teeth at the ready, this is the OTTER-LY ruthless showdown between two otters .
HUNDREDS of hot air balloons decorate the sky above Turkey as the rising sun illuminates the spectacular scenery below .
Struggling home entertainment chain Blockbuster has been slammed for advertising its workers' jobs while they are still in them in order to scare them into working harder .
EAGERLY BITING his nails, this little squirrel is clearly nervous of looming predators as he searches for his meal .
USUALLY full to bursting, these London Underground stations stand silent and completely commuter free .