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.
LINED up one by one on a deer’s back, these little birds give their wings a break as they catch a ride across London .
A dog was SOW close to death after she dangerously swallowed a two-inch NEEDLE-Cute Shih Tzu Daisy could have pierced her intestines after eating the long needle and thread after finding it on the carpet .
SQUABBLING over the last piece of grain, these hungry squirrels are determined to stock up on as much food as possible .
Peering curiously into a basket hanging off the arms of a snowman, this little squirrel appears fascinated by the snowy figure .
LUMINOUS green rocks could easily be a beach from Superman's homeland of Krypton .
A diver looks like a minnow as she swims alongside a gigantic whale shark, the largest species of fish on the planet .
With luminous colours and alien- like features, these magical mushrooms look like they belong on another planet .
LEAPING for joy five-feet above the waves this baby whale cutie is saying HELLO to its family after being lost .
A photographer from the United Arab Emirates travelled to Pakistan where he captured the lives of local people in a series of expressive portraits .
A terrified moose, trapped in a frozen lake, bobs her head above the icey water and awaits her rescue .
BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .
BOXING DAY has come early for this pair of feisty squirrels, as their Christmas party quickly turns sour .