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.
NATURE PAPARAZZIS prove you don't have to be Justin Bieber or Cheryl Cole to attract a pack of photographers .
OFFERING a glimpse into the past, a mash-up of old and new photographs show how the world’s biggest cities have changed .
CARRYING a fully grown goat on his back, this five-year-old boy is a child shepherd in the mountains of northern Ethiopia .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .
AN ADORABLE one-eyed kitten has been dubbed the 'pirate cat' because of his pirate-like facial expressions .
MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .
From squids to Star Wars, these flipping marvellous creations are pancake portraits .
THIS is the incredible moment a pelican throws a fish into the air and SLAM DUNKS it into its enormous throat sack .
These are the faces of orphans suffering from the horrifying effects of chemical warfare .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .
A terrified moose, trapped in a frozen lake, bobs her head above the icey water and awaits her rescue .