News Animals Ants changed the architecture of their nests when exposed to a pathogen Tweaks to entrances, tunnels and chambers may help prevent diseases from spreading Busy black garden ants dig in the dirt. In a new study, scientists found that these ants change their nest architecture in the presence of a pathogen, which likely slows the spread of disease. Wirestock/Creatas Video+/Getty Images Plus Share this:EmailFacebookTwitterPinterestPocketRedditPrint By Richard Kemeny September 19, 2024 at 8:30 am If an infection takes hold in an ants’ nest, it could spell disaster for the whole colony.