LIBST members have developed a new method of precision-cut adipose tissue slices (PCATS) to study in vitro the impact of ocean pollution on marine mammals. Subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies were collected from elephant seals (Ano Nuevo colony, California) and precision-cut into 1 mm slices, which remained alive and functional in culture for several days. The method represents a useful tool to increase the mechanistic understanding of the effects of environmental and physiological stressors on marine mammals. The team currently develops the PCATS model on pig with future applicability to human health.