Soil in Cups (IMAGE) Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Caption Even small soil samples contain vast numbers of microorganisms. Soil samples from different layers of soil wait to be analyzed in staff scientist Ben Turner's lab at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. Credit STRI Usage Restrictions Credit: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 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.