A simile can be found when using "like" or "as" between two things. Example: I'm as happy as a clown.
Your question would be a metaphor. Both things are being compared to a science expieriment, probably meaning that they need to have an outcome, but it isn't known for sure if it will be a good or bad outcome.
Things like this can be taken many ways, so if you think something else, I'm sure it would work as well.
I know this is late but the answer was The fire ate through the forest because in that sentence it was like the fire was living
Devout can mean pious or steadfast in your beliefs
Answer: yes, It’s macbeth who stabs duncan and and who later kills the guard
