NOVA 51x12 - Hunt for the Oldest DNA

For decades, scientists have tried to unlock the secrets ofancient DNA. But life's genetic blueprint is incrediblyfragile, and researchers have struggled to find DNA in fossilsthat could survive millions of years. Then, one maverickscientist had the controversial idea to look for DNA not infossils or frozen ancient tissue – but in dirt. Join the huntas scientists decipher the oldest DNA ever found, and revealfor the first time the genes of long-extinct creatures thatonce thrived in a warm, lush Arctic.