Congress gains an influx of scientists as GOP science committee head leaves

Lamar Smith, retiring chair of the House science committee, has vehemently denied that climate change is man made

Seven scientists are entering the US congress next year, from engineers and health professionals to an energy businessman and a computer programmer. Five of them are women, including a new senator for Nevada. All are Democrats.

Dr Rush Holt, a physicist who represented New Jersey in congress and is now CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, said the newcomers will likely never use their specific expertise but will contribute a much-needed way of thinking.