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.
DIPPING his head into the vase of water, this little squirrel takes a refreshing break from an afternoon of eating .
A little clownfish opens its mouth to reveal a blood sucking intruder living on its tongue .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
Sam Notaro built his own flood defences to protect his four-bedroom home in Moorland, Somerset Flooding is likely to get worse around Somerset as groundwater levels continue to rise .
HOTSPOT MEDIA - MILEY MASH-UP: MILEY CYRUS’ naked wrecking ball vid has been lampooned in this side-spitting photo-mashup .
A hypnotherapist filmed himself sexually abusing a 19-year-old patient while she was in a trance-like state .
MESMERIZING night sky photographs offer a spellbinding look at the stars .
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 .
HOPPING onto the scales, these adorable baby Humboldt penguins are ready for their first weigh-in .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
A hungry hippo is seconds away from catching a bird in its gigantic jaws .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .