Breakthrough 3D Model Reveals How Snake Venom Destroys Blood Vessels

Innovative organ-on-a-chip technology offers new insights into venom effects and potential treatments, reducing the need for animal testing.

Researchers developed a 3D blood-vessel-on-a-chip to study snake venom's impact on human blood vessels.
The model uses human endothelial cells to replicate blood vessel structures and functions accurately.
Venom from four snake species was tested, showing varied mechanisms of blood vessel damage.
Findings could lead to better antivenom development and reduce reliance on animal testing.
Snake bites cause significant global health issues, with up to 138,000 deaths annually.