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
- Bonifácio, DB, da Silva, A, Estrada, YMF, Caldas, APS, Hermsdorff, HHM, Bressan, J et al.. Acute and chronic effects of mixed nuts on energy metabolism in women at cardiometabolic risk: a randomized clinical trial. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2026; :104801. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2026.104801. PubMed PMID:42218065 .
- Monteiro, EDSS, Suassuna, JAS, da Silva, AJMR, de Souza, AA, Santos, ADC, Brasileiro-Santos, MDS et al.. Effect of a multimodal exercise training program on sleep in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Braz J Phys Ther. 2026;30 (4):101602. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2026.101602. PubMed PMID:42217510 .
- Costa, FC, Silva, BR, Silva, AA, Silva, JRV. Decellularized ovarian scaffolds as biomimetic platforms for follicular development, ovarian cell function, and stem cell-matrix interactions: A systematic review. Reprod Biol. 2026;26 (3):101236. doi: 10.1016/j.repbio.2026.101236. PubMed PMID:42217406 .
- Silva, FDS, Silva, LED, Amaral, WD, Lima, LF, Souza, ARS, Confortin, C et al.. Chemical Composition and Antifungal Evaluation of Essential Oil From Fresh Leaves of Myrcia spectabilis DC Against Candida spp. and Pichia kudriavzevii. Chem Biodivers. 2026;23 (6):e71374. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.71374. PubMed PMID:42216857 .
- Bishop-Royse, J, Gutierrez-Kapheim, M, Silva, A, Lomahan, S, Jindal, M, Krogen, M et al.. Correction: Trust and Trustworthiness: Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccine Receipt in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. J Community Health. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s10900-026-01574-x. PubMed PMID:42215839 .