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.
BURSTING colours of reds, pinks and purples give the illusion of a collection of stunning flowers .
DIVING boffins fired harpoons into 30-foot-long whale sharks in a bid to put the sea-beasts on Google Maps .
NATURE PAPARAZZIS prove you don't have to be Justin Bieber or Cheryl Cole to attract a pack of photographers .
The gunslingers are long gone and tumbleweeds have taken over at this abandoned American Wild West Theme Park in Cornwall .
Pouncing down on top of his twin brother, these two snow leopard cubs practice their kung-fu moves .
A blanket of fog is lit up by the colourful glowing lights of the city below .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
SURROUNDED by divers, a hungry green sea turtle enjoys being the centre of attention .
Swimming side by side with divers, these manatees will do anything they can to stay warm .
A cheeky owl fancies a game of hide and seek as it peeps out from behind a tree .
DINING under the stars, this restaurant takes you back in time - inside an ancient cave .
