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.
AN ANGRY giraffe gave a bush-riding cyclist a scare when he stomped his £2K bike into the dirt .
LIKE SUPERMAN carrying a slimy Lois Lane through the air this frog is treating its mate to a flying lesson .
With luminous colours and alien- like features, these magical mushrooms look like they belong on another planet .
HUNDREDS of hot air balloons decorate the sky above Turkey as the rising sun illuminates the spectacular scenery below .
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .
MESMERIZING night sky photographs offer a spellbinding look at the stars .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .
WITH A STERN look of determination on their faces, these adorable pooches perfect their doggy paddle as they dive head first into a swimming pool .
A NINJA red squirrel cuts a dashing figure as the little fella jumps up to ten-feet between treetops in the Yorkshire Dales .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
FROM a HOLLYWOOD actress to the face of an innocent child, these are incredible drawings with an unlikely twist .