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.
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 .
From giant mountains to vast deserts, an American photographer spent a year capturing the diverse and beautiful landscape of the United States .
An aerial view of flooding in Gloucestershire .
HOTSPOT MEDIA - BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH AR' KID: A POSTAL SORTER has perfected the art of time travel by delivering images that are from the past .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .
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 .
A lazy otter finds the ideal spot to soak up the sun and sleep off his lunch .
FLEXING his muscles and staring straight at his opponent, this bodybuilding squirrel is the nuts .
LIFTING their heads high and bumping beaks, these aggressive pelicans clash over fish .
A soap bubble lands on the frosty ground and creates a shimmering snow globe as crystals form around it .
A BLIND man was battered with a brick in a sickening attack by two thugs .
SNUGGLED up in the hay away from the elements, this adorable hoglet has sought solace with a familiar friend .