Seashell Redirects Stress (IMAGE) Rice University Caption A stress map shows how a seashell redirects stress to its strongest areas - in this case, the center and widest end -- to protect the animal inside. Research at Rice University and the Indian Institute of Science showed that shells send stress to parts of the shell where inhabitants are least likely to be. Credit Credit: Indian Institute of Science/Rice University Usage Restrictions For news reporting purposes only. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.