Giant squid displayed in 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluid at the Smithsonian's Sant Ocean Hall

3M innovation is helping visitors at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History view a 330-pound, 24-foot giant squid. The wet specimen is being safely preserved by 3M™ Novec™ 7100 Engineered Fluid, which is a non-flammable alternative to alcohol. Crystal clear and water-like in appearance, the Novec fluid preserves the natural color of the specimen better than alcohol, allowing museum patrons a real-life view of the giant squid. In addition to the giant squid, more than 100 exhibits at the Sant Ocean Hall are displayed in Novec fluid. The Smithsonian's Sant Ocean Hall opened to the public September 27, 2008.