Niagara Falls in Autumn 2023 Photo and caption by Alexandra Frances Kavaney

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada Photo and caption by Alexandra Frances Kavaney

Rainbow Mountains In the heart of Peru's canvas, the Rainbow Mountains unfold, a celestial palette draped across the earth's embrace. A regally adorned mountain camel stands as a majestic guardian amidst the vibrant hues, while enraptured souls bear witness to nature's chromatic poetry.This image whispers tales of a majestic odyssey, where the mountains and their adorned guardian dance in hues that echo the songs of an ancient, vibrant land. Photo by Dr Aswathy Girija, DM fellow Pulmonary medicine, AIIMS Bhubaneswar,Odisha

Yoshino Cherry The Yoshino cherry (prunus x yeodensis)) is a globally predominant cherry tree. Genomic analysis suggests that all Somei-Yoshinos are members of a cohort of clones (e.g. propagated by grafting) originating from a tree in Ueno Park in Tokyo. The clustered blossoms, which are pink in bud and white in full bloom, precede the appearance of the leaves, providing a very pure, almost visual-tactile synesthetic pop. I also feel and see the word “optimism” when I visit this tree in spring. Photo and caption by Manfred Hauben M.D., M.P.H. Published by

Rain water dropping in a pool of collected water Rain water dropping in a pool of collected water with splashes of droplets bouncing back during winter rains in New Delhi. Photo by Dr Ashish Sharma, Consultant Rheumatologist at Rheumatology Clinic, Dilshad Garden, New Delhi, India.

Asian Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos Spectabilis) An extremely popular ornamental flower, the Asian Bleeding Heart is native to Northern China, Siberia, Korea and Japan. It is associated with romantic legends and poems. The linear horizontal clusters (racemes) dangling under graceful arcuate stems entice various pollinators especially bees. The fuscia color makes evolutionary sense for attracting pollinators. What about the shape? There is scientific evidence that flower morphology adapts to pollinators as well, and it has been claimed that the heart shaped petals facilitate access by bees. Beauty and safety don’t always go hand-in-hand and there are case reports of skin irritation and anticholinergic toxicity from Bleeding Hearts. Photo and caption by Manfred Hauben M.D., M.P.H.

Three Fathoms Cove Three Fathoms Cove, located in New Territories of Hong Kong SAR, is a cove area surrounded on three sides by verdant peaks. It is characteristic of the natural landscapes of Hong Kong and provides a tranquil sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of urban life for people in town and beyond. Photograph by Dr Daniel Xin Zhang from his private collection. Photo and caption by Daniel Xin Zhang, MD, PhD