First search re: ancient DNA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_DNA#Antediluvian_DNA_studies

copied from that page: "The post-PCR era heralded a wave of publications as numerous research groups tried their hands at aDNA. Soon a series of incredible findings had been published, claiming authentic DNA could be extracted from specimens that were millions of years old, into the realms of what Lindahl (1993b) has labelled Antediluvian DNA. The majority of such claims were based on the retrieval of DNA from organisms preserved in amber. "

". A critical review of ancient DNA literature through the development of the field highlights that few recent studies have succeeded in amplifying DNA from remains older than several hundred thousand years.[13] A greater appreciation for the risks of environmental contamination and studies on the chemical stability of DNA have resulted in concerns being raised over previous reported results. The Dinosaur DNA was later revealed to be human Y-Chromosome,[14], while the DNA reported from encapsulated halobacteria has been criticized based on its similarity to modern bacteria, which hints at contamination.[15] Recent work also suggest that these bacterial DNA samples may not have survived from ancient times but may instead be the product of long-term, low-level metabolic activity.[16]"

Now... if you already reject the idea that even 'hundreds of thousands of years' is possible, it is hard to debate the issue. We DO have the <>a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ötzi>"IceMan" from the Italian/Austrian Alps who has been dated to 5300 years ago.

Woolly mammoths have been found that date up to 35,000 years old..but:    "time and harsh weather conditions inexorably degrade DNA, splitting it up into millions of tiny snippets that are extremely difficult to piece together. For instance, a 2012 study found that in bone, half of the chemical bonds in DNA break down within 521 years after death, and the genetic material degrades completely by 6.8 million years."


I read 3/4 of this article, wondering at why they were messing with the data so freely before I realized what ICR stood for.

http://www.icr.org/article/dinosaur-dna-research-tale-wagging/

Pete..we CAN do pretty accurate dating on both soft tissue and material encased in rock/stone... using different methods. Both methods have identified material older than you wish to date the entire Earth.... something has to be reconciled...hmmm?