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
- Zangirolami, LA, Arruda, IF, Ramos, RCF, Lopes, FDS, da Costa, CM, Douine, M et al.. Seroprevalence, Associated Factors, and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Brazilian Gold Miners Working Informally in French Guiana. J Trop Med. 2026;2026 :5932796. doi: 10.1155/jotm/5932796. PubMed PMID:42005300 PubMed Central PMC13084137.
- Barros, FJS, Eduardo, SDS, Cardozo, KLP, Aguilar Vitorino, H, Aiube, CM, Sado, MLI et al.. Correction to "Tailoring Cobalt Content in MnO x Nanowires for Superior Supercapattery Performance". ACS Omega. 2026;11 (14):22392. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.6c02806. PubMed PMID:42004384 PubMed Central PMC13084476.
- Pereira, LC, Pereira, NS, da Silva, DD, de Sousa, KM, Bezerra, CF, Sanches, JM et al.. Long-term efficacy of fluralaner (Exzolt®) in Gallus gallus domesticus against epidemiologically relevant triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae): a potential complementary strategy for Chagas disease control. Parasit Vectors. 2026; :. doi: 10.1186/s13071-026-07382-5. PubMed PMID:42001160 .
- Costa, DS, de Araújo Pereira Júnior, J, Dos Santos, PC, Libanori, MCM, Dos Santos, GG, de Souza, AP et al.. Supplementing the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata and Phaeodactylum tricornutum enhanced immune function, lipid profile, and resistance to Edwardsiella tarda infection. Vet Res Commun. 2026;50 (4):. doi: 10.1007/s11259-026-11218-z. PubMed PMID:41999562 .
- Silva, TR, Gonçalves, B, Poínhos, R, Teixeira, VH, Silva, AM. Examining intra- and inter-tester reliability of post-scan dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry regional body composition analysis in athletes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2026; :. doi: 10.1038/s41430-026-01754-x. PubMed PMID:41998350 .