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 family of foster carers are facing bankruptcy and homelessness after they signed up to a Government scheme to renovate their house to be used for disabled children's short breaks .
Soldiers standing guard outside the Woolwich barracks in London - Two terror suspects are under armed guard in separate hospitals in London after a serving soldier was hacked to death in the street .
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A pair of chicks bravely decided to befriend a python, despite being the snake's favourite choice of food .
A BABY-faced burglar is starting a seven year stretch in custody after being nabbed by a Jaffa Cake .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
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A trout manages to escape the jaws of a hungry cormorant - only to find itself back inside the bird's long beak .
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .
THIS is the EXPLOSIVE moment when a 50 metre high pylon came crashing down to earth in a rural field .
STRIKING photos capture nature at its most raw and powerful during Earth’s most electrifying event .