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.
BASKING in smug satisfaction, a confident squirrel gives a wink to the camera .
A young orangutan comes over all shy as she hides her face behind a broken bucket .
A brave praying mantis makes an unusual friend in an Oriental garden lizard .
This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .
These are the men with one of the most unpleasant jobs in the world .
Megan Brailsford, 32, from Cambridgeshire, met Daniel Dugdale, 29, in September 2020 .
These are the amazing close up pictures of North Korea's mass games - after photographers were previously banned from taking shots so close to the dazzling formation dances .
AN ANGRY giraffe gave a bush-riding cyclist a scare when he stomped his £2K bike into the dirt .
THESE are the Disney Princesses you wouldn't want to run into in a dark alley .
Sprawled out on top of a log, this sleeping leopard takes a relaxing break from his daily routine .
GLIDING through the water, these delightful frogs show off their vibrant colours as they practice their FROG crawl .