Ants Modify Nests to Combat Disease Similar to Humans

BRISTOL, England — A new study reveals that ants adapt their nests to reduce disease spread, much like humans changed their spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers from the University of Bristol published their findings in the journal Science.

The study shows that when faced with pathogens, ants modify their nest structures by creating spaced-out entrances and reducing direct connections between chambers. Luke Leckie, the lead author, stated, “This is the first time a non-human animal has been shown to modify the structure of its environment to reduce the transmission of disease.”

In the experiment, the research team placed groups of 180 ants in soil containers. After one day, they introduced 20 additional ants, some of which had been exposed to fungal spores. Over six days, the ants continued to build their nests while researchers utilized micro-CT scanning to observe the structural changes.

Leckie explained that nests of pathogen-exposed ants became more modular. They had longer travel routes and entrances that were spaced further apart, which are measures predicted to help in lowering pathogen transmission.

To validate these predictions, the researchers conducted simulations of pathogen spread using 3D nest models. The results indicated that structural changes from the exposed ants significantly reduced the spread of pathogens. Leckie noted, “The nests of pathogen-exposed ants actually enhance the effect of self-isolation in reducing pathogen transmission.”

Unlike building habits that consistently minimize transmission, ants, like humans, adapt their nests primarily in response to exposure. This finding highlights important parallels in behavior between species when it comes to disease management.