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.
WITH their robotic movements and pristine uniforms, these are the sexy traffic girls of North Korea that are becoming iconic figures in the secretive state .
THIS incredible shimmer of silver fish mirrors the image of that of an underwater tornado .
The view from this rooftop pool is sure to make most holidaymakers envious .
Swirling water and sand create amazing aerial images of river deltas across Iceland .
A brave leopard kicks back and relaxes in the sunshine - just inches from an enormous crocodile .
THEIR gnarling teeth at the ready, these two baboons fight it out for the last piece of fruit .
A diver attempts to control rising numbers of lionfish by feeding the venomous species to Caribbean reef sharks .
MEET the underwater British seal who is so friendly he loves to grapple divers like a friendly puppy dog .
A frilled lizard appears to be belting out a tune as it sits in a tree with its mouth open wide .
An Italian photographer travelled to Chile where he visited several star-gazing sites, home to some of the world's most advanced telescopes, located in the spectacular setting of the Atacama desert .
A grey whale and her calf greet an audience of awestruck admirers on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico .
SOARING at 112 miles per hour through the air, this petite blonde certainly lives up to her title as the fastest flying woman in the world .