Most staff in the Clinical Center department of bioethics are teleworking. So, early on, plants from their offices and common areas were assembled on a table in the department library. Those who are physically present water them weekly and generally look after them. Department members believe the plants are thriving from being together.

Acknowledging this year’s unusual circumstances, the Record asked its readers to share images of nature’s beauty, and they haven’t disappointed.

NIH’s first virtual Halloween charity fair and mask contest in support of the Combined Federal Campaign took place Oct. 29 and was available via NIH Videocast.

Enjoy here the latest contributions seen in nature from NIH’ers.

For many of us, a great portion of the past year has been spent physically distancing ourselves from all but our closest family and friends. Outdoors may have been one of few respites from the trappings of lockdown or quarantine.

NIH'ers shared photos they took of our natural world--on nature hikes or even right outside their window--during the pandemic.

Since the coronavirus pandemic has made telework mandatory for many, the Record has been curious to learn what NIH’ers have been up to. Find more evidence of the industrious nature of NIH’ers using their pandemic downtime well.

On July 22, the Children’s Inn at NIH hosted Christmas in July. Santa’s motorcycle elves from the Montgomery County Police Department and the NIH Police showered children and young adults, their siblings, parents and caregivers with gifts.

NIH employees, notoriously accomplished in their free time, were recently asked to share with us their creative projects, undertaken during those hours when a commute would normally occupy their time.

This page marks the end of our salute to pets who helped us survive pandemic-enforced telework. No one asked for this hiatus from the normal workplace, and most realize that the challenge came with a silver lining or two.