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 US firefighter has battled osteoarthritis and four hip replacements to break the world paddleboarding record .
Staring death in the face, a little field mouse bravely confronts a hungry cat .
SNEAKING slowly into the water, this Bengal tiger plans a vicious attack on three unsuspecting deer .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
HUDDLED together on a branch, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls soak up the sun .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
AN ARRAY of colours, from pinks to blues and oranges, fill the night sky to create an amazing collection of interstellar patterns .
STEPFORD wives from the 1950's and 60's are performing history's most sexist exercise programme .
SOARING through the air, this is the moment a hungry tawny owl arrives home with dinner .
Playing, splashing and generally messing around, these polar bears show they certainly have a soft spot for the water, and not just each other .
At least three people have been killed and more than 100 injured, some seriously, in two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon .
USUALLY full to bursting, these London Underground stations stand silent and completely commuter free .