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.
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
These photographs of extreme weather capture storms furiously rolling across the sky above America .
WELCOME to what could be the world's tallest TOTALLY wooden construction .
When couples talk about wanting a white wedding, few will be referring to getting hitched on a glacier sat on top of an active volcano .
If you had to scrape the snow off your car this morning or slip-slide your way into work over icy pavements spare a thought for these little critters .
FROM COLOURFUL autumn leaves to living trees at first glance you might miss these people blended with nature .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .
TOWERING 65 metres into the sky, this terrifying accent is a dream for climbers .
BEHIND the doors of this building, with its stacks of mattresses and discarded remains of wheelchairs, lies another victim of austerity cuts .
AN American accountant has grown the world's biggest MELON and smashed his way into the record books with his mammoth 350 .
A BUMPER season of births has left zoo with three of the cutest exotic kittens you're likely to see .
WITHOUT a care in the world, this little chimpanzee shows off her gymnastic skills as she swings around her enclosure .