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
- Silva, A, Dupuis, KL, Lotherington, K, Celli, J, Kulawic, K, Minervini, A et al.. Coping strategies among acute and critical care nurses: a scoping review. Can J Anaesth. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s12630-026-03070-1. PubMed PMID:41718958 .
- Miranda, RL, Santos, LC, Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque, CF, Silva, AR, Castro-Faria-Neto, HC, Giestal-de-Araujo, E et al.. Role of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Protein Kinase C in Rat Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival In Vitro. Eur J Neurosci. 2026;63 (4):e70432. doi: 10.1111/ejn.70432. PubMed PMID:41717902 .
- Castaneda, JJ, De Silva, AC, Bakhshayesh, H, Tan, T, Jayakody, DMP. Bimodal EEG-fNIRS and Deep Learning for Classifying Intensity-Dependent Cortical Auditory Evoked Responses. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform. 2026;PP :. doi: 10.1109/JBHI.2026.3665889. PubMed PMID:41712398 .
- Siqueira, GA, Stanczyk, L, Sá, BJ, Campos, LNSDS, Farias, VCF, Biscarde, PRDS et al.. Varicella outbreak at the Itamaraju Indigenous Health Base Center: a descriptive study, Bahia, 2024. Epidemiol Serv Saude. 2026;35 :e20250856. doi: 10.1590/S2237-96222026v35e20250856.en. PubMed PMID:41711843 PubMed Central PMC12904630.
- Santos, TCD, Rodrigues, MMS, Batista, EPA, Paixão, KDS, Eiras, ÁE, Laporta, GZ et al.. Behavioural responses of Anopheles darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) to host odours: insights from vertical and horizontal olfactometersFIRST REVIEW ROUND - REVIEWERS COMMENTSAUTHORS RESPONSE TO REVIEWERSREVIEWERS COMMENTS. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2026;121 :e250154. doi: 10.1590/0074-02760250154. PubMed PMID:41711767 PubMed Central PMC12904364.