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.
A PENSIONER was left with a fractured jaw after being beaten and robbed outside his home in Birmingham last weekend .
THIS LITTLE squirrel tries to keep himself snug as snow starts to fall around him .
GLIDING through the water, these delightful frogs show off their vibrant colours as they practice their FROG crawl .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
While often referred to as the kings of the jungle, gorillas - for all their might - are notorious hydrophobes .
A pair of adorable polar bear cubs play-fight with each other in the Alaskan snow .
Meet the human CCTV: a PCSO with a memory for faces so sharp he has apprehended more than 130 suspects in the last year alone with his eagle eyed talents .
Full of tired and busy commuters, these underground stations are rarely admired for their architecture or beauty .
A fox takes a tumble and lands on his head when he tries to fend off a pair of eagles in Japan .
THIS is the incredible moment a pelican throws a fish into the air and SLAM DUNKS it into its enormous throat sack .
A group of shelter dogs showcase their loveable personalities in a series of passport-style photographs - in the hope of finding their forever homes .
THIS is the EXPLOSIVE moment when a 50 metre high pylon came crashing down to earth in a rural field .