OLEFINS 2 (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Inspired by light-sensing bacteria that thrive near hot oceanic vents, synthetic chemists led by Julian West at Rice University used vitamin B12 to catalyze valuable hydrocarbons known as olefins, or alkenes. Credit 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.