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 proud gorilla mum welcomes her newborn baby western lowland gorilla, a critically endangered species .
STOLEN £2K BULLDOG REUNITED WITH FAMILY VIA TWITTER - A £2,000 bulldog puppy snatched from her home by burglars has been reunited with her family thanks to Twitter .
A BAMBI was dramatically caught in mid-air by a greedy Nile crocodile in a once-in-a-million flying pincer move .
SQUABBLING over the last piece of grain, these hungry squirrels are determined to stock up on as much food as possible .
An adorable orangutan named Pongo celebrates his first birthday at Zoo Atlanta, Georgia, America .
A Brit photographer has captured one of the world's most camera-shy species of fish - during a game of underwater peek-a-boo .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
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 .
Beautiful turquoise waves rise and fall in a series of stunning images taken along the coastline of south-eastern Australia .
PUCKERING up and enjoying some quality time, these are the most lovable monkeys on the planet .
SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner .
JUDGE BLASTED FOR LETTING PAEDO WALK FREE A PERVERT who sexually assaulted two young girls on an allotment, telling them he was brushing spiders off them, has walked free from court – because jailing him was ‘unfair’ on his family .