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.
GLIDING through the water, these delightful frogs show off their vibrant colours as they practice their FROG crawl .
SWIMMING in unison, millions of silverside fish dwarf the divers .
HUNDREDS of hot air balloons decorate the sky above Turkey as the rising sun illuminates the spectacular scenery below .
DIPPING his head into the vase of water, this little squirrel takes a refreshing break from an afternoon of eating .
With luminous colours and alien- like features, these magical mushrooms look like they belong on another planet .
HOPPING onto the scales, these adorable baby Humboldt penguins are ready for their first weigh-in .
An intrepid explorer hopes to be reunited with his travel partner, after his cuddly toy companion was stolen .
Throwing their arms up in the air, these energetic squirrels play a game of ball with a walnut .
BURSTING from the water, a beautiful but deadly Sumatran tiger jumps for food in an Indonesian zoo .
Leaping out of the ocean, a group of gentoo penguins fly through the air before landing safely on an iceberg .
From foster care to the MAGICAL world of cosplay, a young girl’s dreams become reality after being adopted by a photography loving couple .