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.
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
COULD this be the most distastrous wedding cake fail EVER? Most brides opt for a traditional tiered white wedding cake decorated with delicate pink roses and lace for their big day .
A carefree bear cub reclines in the water with his feet raised in the air .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
SITTING in the middle of a vast desert, an abandoned cinema is still waiting for its first movie to be screened .
Soldiers standing guard outside the Woolwich barracks in London - Two terror suspects are under armed guard in separate hospitals in London after a serving soldier was hacked to death in the street .
A diver explores the crystal clear waters of the Silfra canyon in southern Iceland, which is the only place on Earth where you can dive or snorkel between two continental plates .
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
SNUGGLED up in the hay away from the elements, this adorable hoglet has sought solace with a familiar friend .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .
A Romanian photographer has captured the unique patterns of hundreds of human eyes in a series of striking macro shots .