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 northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
A grey whale and her calf greet an audience of awestruck admirers on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico .
FINALLY catching a meal, a pair of great white egrets fight over their dinner .
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 .
Splashing around in the water, a mother otter and her son are tangled in a family feud .
AN OLD ENGLISH cottage packed full of history and valuables has been left to rot .
Sam Notaro built his own flood defences to protect his four-bedroom home in Moorland, Somerset Flooding is likely to get worse around Somerset as groundwater levels continue to rise .
A cheeky gorilla sticks her tongue out and plays up for the camera at Bronx Zoo .
SKIPPING on the spot, an adorable little owl embraces the 'running man' challenge .
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
Fishermen in Myanmar have perfected an unusual fishing technique by carefully balancing on one leg .
Throwing a right hook as he launches onto his opponent with his gnarling teeth at the ready, this is the OTTER-LY ruthless showdown between two otters .