Research
Molecular and cellular and systems mechanisms of learning and memory
Appointments
- Distinguished Professor– Neurobiology, Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology
- Director–Integrative Center for Learning and Memory
- Tennenbaum Center for the Biology of Creativity
- Brain Research Institute
- Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology GPB Home Area
- Neuroscience GPB Home Area
Biography
The Silva laboratory is studying the biology of learning and memory. They are interested in the molecular, cellular and circuit processes that underlie the allocation, encoding and storage of information. To accomplish this they are using a variety of techniques including sophisticated molecular and genetic approaches, optical physiology, optogenetics, in vivo imaging and behavioral analysis.
Silva and colleagues have also studied the impact of these mechanisms in animal models of cognitive disorders, including intellectual disabilities. Based on these mechanistic studies, they have developed treatments for Neurofibromatosis type I and Tuberous Sclerosis, that are currently being tested in clinical trials.
The Silva laboratory is also developing bioinformatic strategies for tracking and planning experiments (researchmaps.org).
Publications
- Català-Moll, F, Blázquez-Bondia, C, Farré-Badia, J, Torres, F, Manzardo, C, Bonfill, E et al.. Author Correction: Dolutegravir restores gut microbiota in late-stage HIV-1 unlike darunavir: an open-label, randomized clinical trial. Nat Commun. 2026;17 (1):. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-72458-w. PubMed PMID:42045220 .
- Sprenger, AB, Svidzinski, TIE, Geraldo, MR, Silva, AB, Sant Ana, LAM, Cognialli, RCR et al.. Antibiofilm activity of terbinafine, itraconazole and their combination against Sporothrix brasiliensis yeast-like form's biofilms. Braz J Microbiol. 2026;57 (1):. doi: 10.1007/s42770-026-01869-0. PubMed PMID:42043717 .
- de Souza Silva, E, Dos Santos Rocha, RT, da Silva, JNG, Ribeiro, VVP, Ponte, IS, Fraga, ICB et al.. Ups and downs in the experimental treatment of murine typhoid fever using gentamicin combined with caffeine. Braz J Microbiol. 2026;57 (1):. doi: 10.1007/s42770-026-01948-2. PubMed PMID:42043631 .
- da Silva, AG, de Freitas, CC, Pinheiro, AS, Rocco, DDFM, Teixeira, CS, Rosan, LA et al.. The Influence of Individualization in External Load Control on Anaerobic Performance in a Women's Soccer Team. Sports (Basel). 2026;14 (4):. doi: 10.3390/sports14040138. PubMed PMID:42043070 PubMed Central PMC13120117.
- de Oliveira, WDD, Ghirotti, MELP, de Sousa, ÁFL, Silva, ALNVD, de Carvalho, HEF, Valim, MD et al.. AI Tools for Teaching the Safe Administration of Medications in Nursing: A Scoping Review. Nurs Rep. 2026;16 (4):. doi: 10.3390/nursrep16040146. PubMed PMID:42042673 PubMed Central PMC13118771.