Silva, Alcino J., Ph.D.

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

1. da Silva, AFS, de Freitas, GA, Silva, DAL, de Paiva, JMF, Campolina, JM, da Silva Moris, VA et al.. Towards environmental management of WEEE in Brazil: evaluating the impacts of recycling plastics. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s11356-026-37732-w. PubMed PMID:41986827 .
2. Silva, A, Dupuis, KL, Pourrajabi, A, Kulawic, K, Galica, J, Teggart, K et al.. Beyond breast cancer: mapping unmet needs and advancing an evidence-based framework of survivorship care. Support Care Cancer. 2026;34 (5):. doi: 10.1007/s00520-026-10627-9. PubMed PMID:41986578 .
3. da Silva Neto, JX, da Silva, APA, Guedes, MIF, de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa, D. Multifaceted antifungal and antibiofilm activities of Mo-CBP₂ against Candida species: Structural disruption, cell membrane, cell wall interaction, and synergistic potential. Int J Biol Macromol. 2026; :151760. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.151760. PubMed PMID:41985820 .
4. Vidal, PJDSR, Teixeira, LR, Gomes, L, Silva, APDN, Santos, MVCD, Carvalho, LVB et al.. [Health workers exposed to pesticides: a cross-sectional study involving agents for the control of endemic diseases in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. Cad Saude Publica. 2026;42 :e00045025. doi: 10.1590/0102-311XPT045025. PubMed PMID:41983815 .
5. Bousquat, A, Giovanella, L, Aquino, R, Vilasbôas, ALQ, Thumé, E, Tomasi, E et al.. Primary health care assessment in Brazil: conception and methodology of the 2024 National Basic Health Unit Census. Cad Saude Publica. 2026;42 :e00164625. doi: 10.1590/0102-311XEN164625. PubMed PMID:41983813 .

Search PubMed