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.
LUMINOUS green rocks could easily be a beach from Superman's homeland of Krypton .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
SNOWBOARDING in your £2,000 wedding dress sounds like a nightmare for most brides .
This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .
A group of otters put on a show of aqua aerobics, as they raise their flippers perfectly in sync .
HUDDLED together in the hollow of a tree, it would be easy to overlook these two sleepy owls as they blend into the trunk .
ROLLING across a 65-metre-high viaduct in the Alps, the red carriages of the Bernina Express add a splash of colour to the spectacular snow-covered Swiss surroundings .
A BEAUTIFUL sight for the eyes and the imagination, these liquid sculptures take shape in many different colours and formations .
LIKE SUPERMAN carrying a slimy Lois Lane through the air this frog is treating its mate to a flying lesson .
IN a galaxy far, far away, this collection of stunning interstellar formations will leave you STARSTRUCK .
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .