Bacteria are able to "absorb past genetic info" in the form of plasmids, or circular strands of DNA. The bacteria then incorporates this plasmid DNA into their own genomic DNA through transformation. When the bacterium that underwent transformation reproduces asexually, the "offspring" carry the same genetic material, thus passing along the plasmid DNA sequence for generations. This is the main process behind antibiotic resistance.
RE: Is biological evolution a ball rolling up a hill all by itself?