Special lab for Everest torch challenge

Games' organisers Bocog have taken heed of President Hu Jintao's call for scientific development - and have set up a special lab to design the iconic Olympic relay torch that will ascend Mount Everest. Scientists have been recruited to work at the specially created 'torch design laboratory' at the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp and ordered to invent a high-tech flame that cannot go out on top of the world's highest mountain. Other than being capable of withstanding gale-force winds, torrential rain and even oxygen-thin air, 'the flame ... should be bright and very pleasant to the eyes,' technician Xue Li said yesterday. China will stage the longest torch relay in Olympic history - a 137,000km, 130-day route.