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.
SPLASHING around in a paddling pool, this little elephant soaks up the sunshine .
These photographs of extreme weather capture storms furiously rolling across the sky above America .
SURROUNDED by divers, a hungry green sea turtle enjoys being the centre of attention .
UNDERWATER and above-water seaside shots show the best of British beach-life .
An adorable red squirrel says goodbye to the summer as he shelters from the rain underneath a small blue umbrella .
A woman with an irrational fear of toilets goes POTTY on the loo and runs away when she flushes, terrified it will swallow her up .
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 .
Balanced on one leg, a frog assumes the crane kick martial arts stance made famous in the movie The Karate Kid .
A mother-of-three has revealed how her nine-month-old daughter was severely burnt after knocking a scalding bottle warmer over herself at daycare .
An American man continues on his mission to document his journey around the globe by completing a world map tattoo on his back .
Some parents would gasp at the thought of their children playing with a toy gun, but these Russian children are actually encouraged to take up real arms .
WELCOME to the 125 decibel boombox bus that could damage your hearing if you party too close to its giant speakers .