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.
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .
Some will get up close and personal with Mother Nature’s deadliest animals to get the perfect shot, posing the question, what lengths will a photographer go to for that all important picture? But in this case, the question should be what depths .
A mining town in Australia’s outback appears to be completely deserted, but its residents have escaped the scorching heat by living in underground caves .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .
PERCHED on a branch, these two frogs hold hands as they look into the camera .
Swirling water and sand create amazing aerial images of river deltas across Iceland .
An aerial view of flooding in Gloucestershire .
FROM THE world famous Girl with a Pearl Earring painting to a jaguar in the grass, these incredible drawings are created from coloured ballpoint pens .
An adorable little squirrel wakes from a nap and pops out his tongue for the camera .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
A diving guide leaves a shark completely docile and balanced in the palm of his hand .
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .