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.
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 .
ESCAPING A LANDFILL FUTURE, these amazing science fiction inspired sculptures are made from everyday objects .
CRAZY BEARDS come into their GROWN when they've been twisted and waxed into shape .
WEARING tiny Christmas accessories, these adorable babies get into the spirit of the season .
A middle spotted woodpecker swoops into her nest and feeds her young in a forest in Trentino, Italy .
A student has finally hit puberty after a four year battle against anorexia stunted his growth .
HOTSPOT MEDIA - BRAVE TOT ALLERGIC TO SUN: Leighton Brownrigg, 2 .
WELCOME to the real Frankenstein's lab where carefully pickled creatures are left to stew in jars .
A former waitress who quit serving tables to become a professional Britney lookalike has told how her incredible likeness has earned her £300,000 as a full time doppelganger .
A middle-aged couple from Somerset have developed a rather unusual hobby to occupy their time: writing to killers on death row .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .