Soil Samples (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Prepared soil samples used to test bioengineered tools that will allow researchers to study Earth's microbes from micro- to macroscales. Rice University researchers have developed microbial sensors that release gas to report on specific biochemical reactions. Credit Jeff Fitlow/Rice University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.