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.
This was the chaotic scene when the driver of a 4x4 vehicle became periously trapped under his vehicle for an HOUR when it overturned after a crash on a busy motorway .
LIKE A living balloon this baitball of sardines is ready to burst when threatened by a pointy nosed sailfish .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
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An Indonesian farmer is dragged through muddy water as he clings to the tails of two charging cows .
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SURROUNDED by divers, a hungry green sea turtle enjoys being the centre of attention .
An intrepid explorer hopes to be reunited with his travel partner, after his cuddly toy companion was stolen .
IN a galaxy far, far away, this collection of stunning interstellar formations will leave you STARSTRUCK .
Hot on the heels of a little rabbit, this cheetah is on a mission to catch his prey .
An Italian photographer travelled to northern India where he visited poverty stricken suburbs and captured ordinary people in a series of intimate and expressive portraits .