lava. then, there are those going to the source of the lava, the expert lava junkies, if you will. usgs scientists in protective gear, collecting samples of the lava and bringing them here. so, we put them in the drying ovens. reporter: the university of hawaii at hilo, is helping to run the rapid response lab for the eruption. we got a look inside. these samples, collected since the lava started spewing. it was thrown up in the air and landed. they scooped it up when it was molten and quenched it. if you look at it, you ll see it s bubbly, soft. like, they break it in your hands. carbon and oxygen. reporter: researchers turning out data to help the usgs chart where the lava flow might be heading, especially as it s incinch ing closer to saddle road. they warn the slower pace, deceptive at times.