A monthlong federal probe into how and why a former Carnegie Mellon University art professor obtained bacteria samples and equipment to analyze DNA enters a new phase today as a grand jury in Buffalo, N.Y., begins hearing testimony in the case.

At least eight artists -- including two with CMU connections -- have been subpoenaed to answer questions about Steven Kurtz, currently a faculty member at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

One of the artists, Claire Pentecost, of Chicago, said her subpoena indicated that the grand jury was investigating possible violations of the U.S. Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act.

Paul Moskal, spokesman for the Buffalo FBI, said he was unaware of any allegation of a connection to terrorism.

Kurtz worked at CMU from 1995 to 2002. Among those subpoenaed to testify are Paul Vanouse, a former research fellow at CMU, and Andrew Johnson, who recently was hired as a CMU art professor.

Federal authorities became aware of Kurtz last month when he called 911 to report that his wife was unresponsive in their Buffalo home.

First responders attending to the woman, who was pronounced dead at the scene, found the bacteria and equipment in the Kurtzes' residence. Word was relayed to the regional anti-terrorism task force.

"As they're traversing through the house, they see material and equipment that gives them pause for thought, that causes them to question, 'What's the necessity for the material, and is there a public safety issue?'" Moskal said.

Moskal did not identify Kurtz by name, and the U.S. attorney's office in Buffalo would neither confirm nor deny an investigation.

Kurtz's supporters say the samples and equipment were part of an art installation slated for a May 30 show at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

Kurtz is part of an artists' collective called the Critical Art Ensemble, which explores the "intersections between art, technology, radical politics and critical theory," according to the group's Web site.

A group called the Critical Art Ensemble Defense Fund claims the government has mistaken an "art project for a biological weapons laboratory."

Kurtz directed inquiries to his attorney, Paul Cambria Jr., of Buffalo. Cambria, who according to his Web site has represented Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt and shock rocker Marilyn Manson, did not return calls.

Those who know Kurtz dismissed the idea that he would do anything harmful or illegal.

"When Steve was here, he was a brilliant and charismatic colleague. I cannot imagine him or any of his work posing any conceivable threat to public safety or security," said Susanne Slavick, the head of CMU's art department.

Moskal said the investigation is not related to the death of Kurtz's wife.

The defense fund said Hope Kurtz died in her sleep of cardiac arrest. The Erie County, N.Y., Health Department said state law prevented it from confirming that, but it acknowledged that her death was not caused by the bacteria in the home.