PROVIDENCE, R.I., May 19 -- Solaris Nanosciences, a manufacturer of nanomaterials, announced that the World Gold Council is providing funding to pursue its anisotropic gold nanorod technology for improved liquid crystal displays (LCDs). These nanoscale rod structures, or nanorods, are expected to improve display viewing angle performance of televisions, mobile phones and cameras. The same technology could help to restore the vision of people suffering from retinal diseases, Solaris said. Solaris said one of the major drawbacks of current LCD technology is degradation of image and colors at certain viewing angles. Because LCDs are based on altering the phase of a light wave, and not absorption of light, colors can appear different depending on the angle from which the display is viewed. Solaris has developed a gold-based additive that can create an LCD that allows liquid display materials to absorb light. As part of the same research program, Solaris Nanosciences is developing biologically active gold-based nanostructures to help restore the vision of people with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The World Gold Council, a marketing organization supported by the gold mining industry, said it hopes to raise awareness of gold's unique properties and boost industrial demand by supporting research and feasibility studies of gold's role in new technology. For more information, visit: www.solarisnano.com