  We present an overview of current-induced effects in nanoscale conductors
with emphasis on their description at the atomic level. In particular, we
discuss steady-state current fluctuations, current-induced forces, inelastic
scattering and local heating. All of these properties are calculated in terms
of single-particle wavefunctions computed using a scattering approach within
the static density-functional theory of many-electron systems. Examples of
current-induced effects in atomic and molecular wires will be given and
comparison with experimental results will be provided when available.
