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.
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
An adorable orangutan named Pongo celebrates his first birthday at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia, America .
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' .
HUDDLING under a leaf, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls take shelter from the rain .
A little clownfish opens its mouth to reveal a blood sucking intruder living on its tongue .
WIDE EYED and staring straight down the lens of the camera, this intrigued seal is ready for his close up .
A soap bubble lands on the frosty ground and creates a shimmering snow globe as crystals form around it .
AN ITALIAN mechanic has created the world’s most ferocious mini-car .
LUMINOUS green rocks could easily be a beach from Superman's homeland of Krypton .
This longhorn beetle demon-strates a dark side as it looks just like the devil .
