Scientists have developed a miniature “blood-vessel-on-a-chip” to investigate the mechanisms by which snake venom causes fatal internal bleeding. This breakthrough could aid in the development of more effective antivenoms, reducing the need for animal testing. The chip contains human blood vessel cells, accurately mimicking the shape and cellular makeup of tiny blood vessels in the body. Using the chip, researchers exposed it to venoms from four snake species, including Indian cobras, West African carpet vipers, many-banded kraits, and Mozambique spitting cobras. They discovered that some venoms directly damage endothelial cell membranes, while others dislodge cells from their extracellular matrices, causing blood vessels to collapse. This knowledge enhances our understanding of how snake venoms attack blood vessels and will help develop improved treatments for snakebites.