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.
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
A teenage girl nicknamed 'spotty dog' by school bullies has embraced the hundreds of birthmarks that cover her entire face and body .
With luminous colours and alien- like features, these magical mushrooms look like they belong on another planet .
An American man who suffered horrific third-degree burns to 70 percent of his body in a childhood accident has faced his fears by becoming a firefighter .
Oscar Pistorius entered a courtroom Monday for the start of his murder trial, walking past the victim's mother who says she came to court so she can ‘really look him in the eyes .
BOXING DAY has come early for this pair of feisty squirrels, as their Christmas party quickly turns sour .
BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .
LUMINOUS green rocks could easily be a beach from Superman's homeland of Krypton .
WELCOME to the real Frankenstein's lab where carefully pickled creatures are left to stew in jars .
A young mum has told how a phantom pregnancy almost destroyed her dream of having a second child .
LYING flat out on his back, this little meerkat makes the most of the English sunshine .