In this talk I will present my recent results and the directions of my future research in the physics of semiconductor nanostructures. In the first part of the talk I will describe a novel structure which we propose to use for quantum computation. Our physical implementation of a qubit is based on local magnetic moment formation in a quantum point contact. On the basis of our recent publications I will show how this moment can be detected and, correspondingly, what kind of procedure can be established for successful readout in the proposed quantum computing scheme. In the second part of the talk I will discuss our analysis of electron transport through a quantum shuttle, nanoelectromechanical system involving a linear harmonic oscillator placed between metallic leads. We have determined the current-voltage characteristics of this system, taking account of mechanical motion of the shuttle. The temperature dependence of the current through the shuttle is of special interest. It is seen to demonstrate a wide variety of behaviors – from 1/T decreasing to an exponential growth – depending on how deep the shuttle is in the quantum regime. Such variety was experimentally observed in electron transport through long molecules. In the end of the talk I will give a brief overview of other projects in which I am involved.