Who is Julian Brown? Young inventor behind viral Plastoline project
Known online as @naturejab, Brown built his following through short, instructional videos filmed in his backyard, where he showcased early prototypes powered by solar panels and made from salvaged materials.
Without formal engineering education or institutional support, Brown taught himself the science behind pyrolysis, a process that uses heat to break down plastic in the absence of oxygen.
His invention, Plastoline, became the centerpiece of his growing platform, with millions engaging in his content across TikTok and Instagram.
What set Brown apart wasn't just the idea, but the way he delivered it: hands-on, open-source, and deeply community-oriented.
He launched a GoFundMe campaign to help scale the project, with the goal of bringing fuel alternatives to underserved areas. His focus remained on creating solutions that were affordable, replicable, and off-grid.
His story took a turn in July 2025, when he posted a cryptic video claiming he felt 'under attack,' sparking concern among fans.
Though he has since gone silent online, his family has stated he is safe.
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Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
Who is Julian Brown? Young inventor behind viral Plastoline project
Julian Brown, a 21-year-old inventor from metro Atlanta, rose to public attention after creating a device that turns plastic into usable fuel. Known online as @naturejab, Brown built his following through short, instructional videos filmed in his backyard, where he showcased early prototypes powered by solar panels and made from salvaged materials. Without formal engineering education or institutional support, Brown taught himself the science behind pyrolysis, a process that uses heat to break down plastic in the absence of oxygen. His invention, Plastoline, became the centerpiece of his growing platform, with millions engaging in his content across TikTok and Instagram. What set Brown apart wasn't just the idea, but the way he delivered it: hands-on, open-source, and deeply community-oriented. He launched a GoFundMe campaign to help scale the project, with the goal of bringing fuel alternatives to underserved areas. His focus remained on creating solutions that were affordable, replicable, and off-grid. His story took a turn in July 2025, when he posted a cryptic video claiming he felt 'under attack,' sparking concern among fans. Though he has since gone silent online, his family has stated he is safe.
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Express Tribune
No, sunscreen will not give you skin cancer
Posts on social media have popped up recently, claiming that applying sunscreen reportedly increases the risk of skin cancer. Even though ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of melanomas, and sunscreen helps protect skin by filtering UV rays, these posts claim that sunscreen itself is doing damage, as reported by DW. "It is an indisputable fact that the countries that use the most sunscreen, have the highest incidence of skin cancer," said this X user in a post with close to 60,000 followers. "And the more sunscreen they use, the greater the prevalence." There are also TikTok videos warning about sunscreen. "There is no scientific evidence that supports the association of sunscreen use with a higher risk of cancer," Brittany Schaefer, Public Information Officer with the Connecticut State Department of Public Health told DW. The X post attributed the chart to the Connecticut Tumor Registry (CTR), but Schaefer says that was inaccurate. "The original cancer incidence data likely came from the CT Tumor Registry decades ago, but not the added text boxes regarding sunscreens. We do not know the source of the actual graphic, but it was not from CTR or the Connecticut Department of Public Health," she said. But why is the number of global skin cancer cases on the rise, even though more and more people are using sunscreen? A study across several countries from December 2023involving scientists from the US, Switzerland, Germany and Hungary looked at five hypotheses to get to the bottom of this. According to the study, possible reasons for misunderstandings and myths around linking skin cancer risk and sun protection include access to better diagnostics and treatment methods, outdated scientific studies, erratic use of sunscreen and climate change. Global incidence rates Rising awareness about skin cancer risks among both patients and doctors has led to an increase in reporting and documenting cases. In contrast to higher skin cancer incidence worldwide, the mortality rate has dropped due to better treatment options, says the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, Australia had the highest age-standardised incidence rate of new cases in 2022: 37 new skin cancer cases per 100,000 people per year, followed by Denmark (31.1), Norway (30.6), New Zealand (29.8) and Sweden (27.4). The US ranked first with 101,388 cases in terms of the total number of skin cancer cases in 2022, while Germany ranked second with 21,976 skin cancer cases, with an identical incidence rate of 16.5. In terms of the number of skin cancer deaths in 2022, the US again took the lead with 7,368 deaths, while Germany ranked fourth with 3,303 cases, behind China and Russia. The following graph also shows that a high incidence rate of skin cancer does not necessarily correspond to a higher mortality rate. Another reason for rising skin cancer rates could also be the fact that people spend more time outside in the sun. Even if they applied sunscreen, that was no guarantee that they used it as intended to protect their skin. The lack of current scientific studies further adds to the problem of reinforcing outdated narratives. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only began regulating sunscreen in 2011. All prior studies examining sunscreen use and the development of melanoma were likely conducted with products that did not offer the same level of protection as those currently on the market.
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Karachi board postpones intermediate exams, new date announced
Female students put their learning to the test as they tackle their Secondary School Certificate (Matric) exams at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School-1 Jacob Lines examination centre. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS Listen to article The Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) announced the postponement of the annual intermediate examinations for 2025, originally scheduled to start on April 28. The exams will now commence from May 5. The decision was made following directives from the board chairman, citing two main reasons for the delay. Firstly, the ongoing process of awarding grace marks in mathematics, chemistry, and physics for the 2024 first-year science pre-medical, pre-engineering, and general science groups is yet to be completed. Secondly, several examination centres are still occupied with matriculation exams that began on April 8 and are set to continue until May 8. Officials said the overlap necessitated adjustments to maintain the exam system's organisation and ensure centre availability. Students, educational institutions, and parents have been advised to continue preparations according to the new schedule. BIEK stated that any further updates or changes would be communicated through its official website ( and its verified social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. Yesterday, Sindh government's Department of Universities and Boards issued an official notification granting grace marks to students appearing in the Intermediate Part-I (Pre-Medical and Pre-Engineering) annual examinations of 2024. The decision includes awarding 15% to 20% grace marks in key science subjects. The notification was issued following the approval of the provincial cabinet during its meeting held on April 15. According to the directive, students will receive 20% grace marks in Chemistry and 15% in both Physics and Mathematics. The Karachi Board of Intermediate Education has been informed of the decision, and implementation instructions have been issued accordingly. The notification, signed by Sharifuddin, Section Officer for Boards in the Department of Universities and Boards, directs the Chairman of the Intermediate Board Karachi to proceed with the necessary arrangements to apply the cabinet's decision. It is important to note that currently, the Karachi Intermediate Board does not have a permanent chairman. The position is temporarily held by the Chairman of the Karachi Matriculation Board.
