Appreciating Natural Wonders

A vibrant blue photo shows purple and blue coral and fish in an aquarium.

Underwater wonders: This photo was snapped in February 2020, a few weeks before stay-at-home orders went into effect. NIAID’s Dr. Merriline Vedamony took it at the aquarium inside the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. “This image was so vibrant and the color contrast between the iridescent corals and the jewel bright fish was mesmerizing,” she said. The museum remains temporarily closed.

Photo: Merriline Vedamony

Marill next to her bike surrounded by the hills and foliage of Skyline Drive in Virginia

Found: New appreciation for natural incline--“For over 25 years, I’ve hiked and backpacked the many trails in Shenandoah National Park, but I had yet to ride my bike on Skyline Drive,” said Jennifer L. Marill, chief of NLM’s Technical Services Division. “On a crisp, cool day in September, with other vacation plans cancelled due to the pandemic, I took leave from work to try it out. While I knew Skyline Drive was long and winding, I never quite realized just how hilly it was until I was on my bike!”

Photo: Jennifer L. Marill

Acknowledging this year’s unusual circumstances, the Record asked its readers to share images of nature’s beauty, and they haven’t disappointed. Here are two more photos snapped by NIH'ers before and during the pandemic.