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.
Clinging on to their furry backs, mischievous monkeys appeared to enjoy the free transport as they rode around on a perturbed Capybara .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .
The claws come out at meal time as a group of white tailed eagles brawl over road-kill .
Fetching a tiny carrot and a head-shaped snowball, a red squirrel builds the perfect snowman .
A little caterpillar fearlessly scampers down a branch and confronts a praying mantis .
LUMINOUS green rocks could easily be a beach from Superman's homeland of Krypton .
NEVER mind being careful not to choke on your food, this mother bird has a bigger challenge on her hands, as her ravenous offspring impatiently launches its head down into her stomach .
NEW DELHI, A woman activist of India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party crosses a police barricade near the residence of ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi during a protest against the recent rape of a five-year-old girl in New Delhi, India, April 21, 2013 .
Swimming side by side with divers, these manatees will do anything they can to stay warm .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
AIRPORT staff have been put on alert after diet pills that come in grenade shaped containers sparked security alerts .