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.
THESE kingfishers prove no rod is needed as they go fishing for their dinner .
THIS unique holiday accommodation allows you to enjoy a full Flintstones experience .
A transgender model, who has spent £180k on surgery to become a ‘desirable’ woman, has told of her struggle to find a man who is openly accepting of trans-women .
BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .
A project to create an underwater tribute to the stone Moai statues of Easter Island ended in disaster when 15 replica structures were destroyed after toppling from a boat and into the sea .
Thousands of people are gathering at a stadium in Johannesburg for a memorial service for Nelson Mandela .
A weightlifter has lost a whopping 12st after swapping biscuits for biceps .
A prolific drug dealer was caught red-handed in a car filled with amphetamines after he decided to park in a top copper's parking space - as a joke .
An Australian beach is illuminated by an enticing neon blue glow as a rare phenomenon lights up the water .
Two sisters from Hampshire who suffered botched nose jobs have spent £19 .
Several times a year, Gemma, 21, can be found mumbling her words and struggling to concentrate as she walks around in a dream-like state .
Struggling home entertainment chain Blockbuster has been slammed for advertising its workers' jobs while they are still in them in order to scare them into working harder .