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 FAST AND THE FURIOUS - 250 DRIVERS ARRESTED FOR STREET RACING IN BIRMINGHAM- In Pic - The start line on the Heartlands Parkway Nechels Birmingham .
Surveying its surroundings, a tiny harvest mouse climbs the stem of a dandelion .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
FLOATING effortlessly on his back, this little otter laps up a rare glimmer of English spring sunshine .
Gigantic 100ft waves create the perfect playground for dare-devil surfers from across the world .
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A German photographer travelled around Africa where he met and photographed members of tribes in a series of intimate portraits .
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
