Jamie Bernard, Michigan State University (IMAGE) Michigan State University Caption Jamie Bernard, an assistant professor in pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, has found that a certain protein released from fat in the body can cause a non-cancerous cell to turn into a cancerous one. She also found that abdominal fat is the more likely culprit. Credit Michigan State 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.