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.
CAUSING a splash, this determined kingfisher goes hunting for dinner .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .
GETTING behind the camera, this monkey practices his photography skills on his friends .
SURROUNDED by divers, a hungry green sea turtle enjoys being the centre of attention .
MESMERIZING night sky photographs offer a spellbinding look at the stars .
WELCOME to what could be the world's tallest TOTALLY wooden construction .
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FINALLY catching a meal, a pair of great white egrets fight over their dinner .
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 .
FULL OF STUNNING colours and swirling shapes, the furrows on these fields create a mix of mesmerising patterns .
If you tune into primetime coverage of the 2012 Olympic Games, you’re most likely going to see London’s new Aquatic Center from many angles as athletes from all around the globe compete for the top spot on the podium .