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.
Southern England, the south-west and west Wales have been warned to expect more wild weather, with heavy rain and high tides possibly leading to coastal flooding and travel disruption over the weekend .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .
A brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
CONTRASTING settings reveal some of England’s most beautiful landscapes in all their glory .
A kingfisher’s bright blue and orange feathers glisten in the sunlight as the bird dives into a lake .
Swimming side by side with divers, these manatees will do anything they can to stay warm .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
A photographer from the United Arab Emirates travelled to Pakistan where he captured the lives of local people in a series of expressive portraits .
This hungry white tiger has just one thing on her mind - to taste fresh meat .
A photographer has captured spellbinding images of stars swirling above the English countryside .
A striped marlin means business as it spots lunch and spears a small fish .
NEVER mind being careful not to choke on your food, this mother bird has a bigger challenge on her hands, as her ravenous offspring impatiently launches its head down into her stomach .