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 puppy bit off more than he could chew when he stole a six inch Chinese spare rib from his owner and swallowed it WHOLE, Cheeky Staffordshire bull terrier Rossi had his life SPARED when he underwent a life-saving operation to remove the bone from his stomach after swiping part of the takeaway meal .
It's incredible to think anyone could live in such horrendous squalor - yet two men have been prosecuted for keeping their homes in such revolting conditions that it was no longer fit for their animals .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
An artist has transformed traditional Thanksgiving dinners into mini-masterpieces .
While often referred to as the kings of the jungle, gorillas - for all their might - are notorious hydrophobes .
A BROWN bear wades through waters in Alaska and waits for his lunch .
The beds are consumed by moss instead of customers at this abandoned hotel .
GIANT garden sculptures don't beat about the bush .
A brave praying mantis makes an unusual friend in an Oriental garden lizard .
THIS BIGFOOT 'Jesus bird' may look silly, but he's perfectly designed for walking on water .
WIDE EYED and staring straight down the lens of the camera, this intrigued seal is ready for his close up .
SOARING at 112 miles per hour through the air, this petite blonde certainly lives up to her title as the fastest flying woman in the world .