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.
SWIMMING slowly towards the shore, a small group of bottlenose dolphins arrive for breakfast at a beach in Western Australia .
WITH a paw in the air and his tongue hanging from his mouth, it is clear to see that this little groundhog is struggling to wake up and leave behind the comfort of his burrow .
POPE MOBBED BY THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS IN RIO - Thousands of worshippers gather to celebrate the Papal visit on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro ,Brazil .
Swirling water and sand create amazing aerial images of river deltas across Iceland .
A brave praying mantis makes an unusual friend in an Oriental garden lizard .
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Pouncing down on top of his twin brother, these two snow leopard cubs practice their kung-fu moves .
A British photographer has captured the beauty of London in a stunning series of landscapes shots .
OFFERING a glimpse into the past, a mash-up of old and new photographs show how the world’s biggest cities have changed .
Blonde teen Jess Stubbs has certainly got girl power - as Britain’s youngest TRUCKER .