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.
ROLLING across a 65-metre-high viaduct in the Alps, the red carriages of the Bernina Express add a splash of colour to the spectacular snow-covered Swiss surroundings .
From vivid greens to glowing pinks, the colours of the aurora borealis fill the night sky above a snow covered Lapland .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
This longhorn beetle demon-strates a dark side as it looks just like the devil .
WITH STUNNING colours and serene scenes, these photographs capture the otherworldly beauty of the English coast .
Enjoying life’s little pleasures is something that many struggle to do .
AN OLD ENGLISH cottage packed full of history and valuables has been left to rot .
Going for long rides through vast fields together, this twosome share an unbreakable bond .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .
THROWING himself off 1,100ft bridges in a wheelchair, this is the PARALYSED base jumper who knows no fear .
