there has been a lot of discussion about the future of nanotechnology and its dangers. nanotechnology may be able to invent new materials and instruments which would be very useful, such as in medicine, computers, and making clean electricity (nanoelectromechanical systems) is helping design the next generation of solar panels, and efficient low-energy lighting). on the other hand, nanotechnology is new and there could be unknown problems. for example, if the materials are bad for people's health or for nature. they may have a bad effect on the economy or even big natural systems like the earth itself. some groups argue that there should be rules about the use of nanotechnology.