Current cosmological data seem to point beyond the limits of quintessence for the behavior of dark energy accelerating the universe. This requires challenging physics such as modified gravity, interactions, or altered vacuum, in analogy with how non-Gaussianity in inflation requires physics beyond standard dynamics. We explore some possibilities.

In recent years, multiple lines of evidence have emerged supporting the idea that Be stars are mass gainers in interacting binaries. Together, these findings suggest a compelling scenario in which all Be stars are formed through binary interactions. Nevertheless, the broader implications of this scenario must be carefully examined within the context of massive binary evolution.

The experimental quest to extract the full information content of the anisotropies of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) has lead to a Moore's Law-like evolution in instrument capabilities. In this seminar, I explore adapting the technologies developed for the CMB to two other, more challenging science goals: Spectral Distortions, and Intensity Mapping.   I will discuss these science topics and present concepts for instruments that could make precise measurements of these signals. I present the SPECTER instrument concept.

DESI is the first new generation galaxy survey to take data with the goal to shed light on the mechanism that drives the acceleration of the cosmic expansion. We postulate the existence of a mysterious component, dark energy, responsible for such acceleration, and we assume, in our current cosmological model, that dark energy takes the form of a cosmological constant Lambda.