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.
HUNDREDS of hot air balloons decorate the sky above Turkey as the rising sun illuminates the spectacular scenery below .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
FLAUNTING its new accessory, a fashionable green dumpy tree frog poses for the camera while wearing a SNAIL as a hat .
A carefree bear cub reclines in the water with his feet raised in the air .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
Sitting all alone on drift ice in the Arctic Ocean, this lonely little fella looks lost .
Surveying its surroundings, a tiny harvest mouse climbs the stem of a dandelion .
From a platter of finger licking chicken wings to a bowl of Chinese noodle soup, these foodie snaps are enough to make your savoury saliva glands drool .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
Kevin Silva, 52 from Indiana in the USA, has spent an estimated £65K ($100K) on Batman trinkets over the years, and even keeps his 2,500-item haul in his very own basement 'Bat Cave' .
HUNDREDS of colour coordinated yarns lie abandoned in this once thriving textile mill .