TV tonight: the mind-boggling search for the world’s oldest DNA

This fascinating documentary digs deep for genetic secrets. Plus: Shetland reaches its sombre conclusion. Here’s what to watch this evening

9pm, BBC Four“We will never get dinosaur DNA,” says one scientist in this fascinating documentary. But even allowing for this disappointingly defeatist attitude, the process surrounding DNA is becoming increasingly mind-boggling, to the point where it now seems that the genetic secrets of our deep past could help humanity navigate the future. The story is engagingly told, mainly thanks to the charismatic biologist Eske Willerslev for whom this field has become a labour of love. Phil Harrison

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