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.
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
GETTING behind the camera, this monkey practices his photography skills on his friends .
Pic By Graham Gibson/ HotSpot Media - SHARK HYPNOTIST BALANCES SHARK IN PALM OF HIS HAND- In Pic - Diver Tom and Caribbean reef sharks in the Bahamas- A SHARK hypnotist balances these predators in the palm of his hand by sending them to sleep with a gentle nose rub .
Exploding out of the water, a great white shark performs a backflip during a hunt for seals .
A diver attempts to control rising numbers of lionfish by feeding the venomous species to Caribbean reef sharks .
Enjoying life’s little pleasures is something that many struggle to do .
STARING intently into the camera, a polar bear appears to be lost in thought while relaxing in the snow .
PUCKERING up and enjoying some quality time, these are the most lovable monkeys on the planet .
Dogs catch waves at the Coronado Bay dog surf championships Saturday 22nd June 2013- DOG SURFING mutts have never looked so gnarly .
An Australian explorer has travelled the globe with a toy pig, known as Travel Piggy, in search of a missing cuddly companion .
A Brit photographer has captured one of the world's most camera-shy species of fish - during a game of underwater peek-a-boo .
This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .