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.
Kevin Silva, 52 from Indiana in the USA, has spent an estimated £65K ($100K) on Batman trinkets over the years, and even keeps his 2,500-item haul in his very own basement 'Bat Cave' .
If you had to scrape the snow off your car this morning or slip-slide your way into work over icy pavements spare a thought for these little critters .
WITH HIS PAW covering his mouth, this cheeky cub looks amused by something .
THE CRAZE for mimicking the video game Streetfighter has spread to the streets of London .
A SPECTRUM of colours fills the sky during this spectacular and natural display of light .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
A WIMBLEDON-mad couple will be creating a racket this summer - after installing a TENNIS COURT in their living room .
A middle spotted woodpecker swoops into her nest and feeds her young in a forest in Trentino, Italy .
TOMORROW (Saturday) marks the 28th anniversary of the nuclear disaster that left the city of Chernobyl devastated .
LEAPING for joy five-feet above the waves this baby whale cutie is saying HELLO to its family after being lost .
WITH the mystical clouds forming a thick blanket and the electrifying lights below, these stunning pictures provide a unique view of the cityscape of Dubai taken from the tallest building in the world .
Pouncing down on top of his twin brother, these two snow leopard cubs practice their kung-fu moves .