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.
SOME OF the sea’s most terrifying creatures show their softer side as they join a group of diners for lunch .
Sitting all alone on drift ice in the Arctic Ocean, this lonely little fella looks lost .
VENTURING into the ocean with self-made spears and nets, the fishermen of Zanzibar put their lives on the line when they catch food for their families .
Exploding out of the water, a great white shark performs a backflip during a hunt for seals .
If you had to scrape the snow off your car this morning or slip-slide your way into work over icy pavements spare a thought for these little critters .
A pair of BEAUTIFUL rescue sea turtles spot their catch in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef .
WE’RE all familiar with the heart-wrenching pictures of dogs abandoned in animal shelters, but one photographer has found an innovative way of showcasing the pooch’s personality .
A blanket of fog is lit up by the colourful glowing lights of the city below .
PICKING up a tiny tea-pot with its paws, a little red squirrel struggles to prepare its morning tea .
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and for this greedy camel he can't get enough of his morning feed, as he gate crashes his owner's mealtime .
Primed and ready for action, this collection of striking images from the battlefield could be mistaken for authentic photos taking during World War II .
HUDDLING under a leaf, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls take shelter from the rain .