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.
An adorable black bear cub struggles to find the perfect spot for an afternoon nap as he wriggles around on the branch of a maple tree .
THIS RING of fire in the sky is the annular solar eclipse that wowed our cousins down-under .
CONTRASTING settings reveal some of England’s most beautiful landscapes in all their glory .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
BLOWING bubbles underwater, this adorable polar bear slides into his tank for a playful dip .
SOARING through the air, a hungry white-tailed kite prepares to snatch a vole from his mother’s claws .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
A floating market in Indonesia is bursting with vibrant colours as wooden rowing boats loaded with fruit and vegetables crowd the river .
WELCOME to what could be the world's tallest TOTALLY wooden construction .
The aurora lights captured in Blair Nebraska, America - WITH electrifying purple and illuminous green brightening up the night sky, this is the rare moment a flash of 'sprite' lightening was captured on camera .