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.
THESE kaleidoscopic-like photographs capture England’s churches and cathedrals in all their glory .
A ROAD KILL munching Scot has chewed on everything from a dead squirrel to an unlucky crow – all in the name of art .
A kingfisher’s bright blue and orange feathers glisten in the sunlight as the bird dives into a lake .
CLIMBING, falling and tugging on his weary mum, this little orangutan is up to all kinds of trouble .
THESE kingfishers prove no rod is needed as they go fishing for their dinner .
POPE MOBBED BY THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS IN RIO - Thousands of worshippers gather to celebrate the Papal visit on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro ,Brazil .
A diver attempts to control rising numbers of lionfish by feeding the venomous species to Caribbean reef sharks .
A middle spotted woodpecker swoops into her nest and feeds her young in a forest in Trentino, Italy .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .