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 puppy bit off more than he could chew when he stole a six inch Chinese spare rib from his owner and swallowed it WHOLE, Cheeky Staffordshire bull terrier Rossi had his life SPARED when he underwent a life-saving operation to remove the bone from his stomach after swiping part of the takeaway meal .
CARRYING a fully grown goat on his back, this five-year-old boy is a child shepherd in the mountains of northern Ethiopia .
WIDE EYED with a huge smile across her face, this little elephant is a picture of happiness .
A unique business in Birkenhead, Merseyside is sure to leave you HALF-CUT with its unusual pub and barbers combination .
FINALLY catching a meal, a pair of great white egrets fight over their dinner .
Swimming side by side with divers, these manatees will do anything they can to stay warm .
An artist has transformed traditional Thanksgiving dinners into mini-masterpieces .
Fetching a tiny carrot and a head-shaped snowball, a red squirrel builds the perfect snowman .
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 .
ALL IS not as it seems in these deceptive cityscapes .
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 .
LIKE A living balloon this baitball of sardines is ready to burst when threatened by a pointy nosed sailfish .