One hundred years since humans first ventured to the South Pole, we are on the verge of a new era in Antarctic exploration.

In Discovery, Andrew Luck-Baker talks to scientists who'll soon be entering the last untouched realms on the planet.

They are poised to drill into ancient lakes trapped beneath thousands of metres of polar ice.

British, Russian and United states scientists all have ambitious projects underway to do this.

Among other quests, they will search for unique forms of life in these deep and hidden icy lakes.

Their efforts might ultimately lead to finding life on other worlds.