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. Gonçalves, OR, Tudella, GCN, Cardoso, LJC, Menegucci, G, Klostermann, AU, Porto, LF et al.. Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Diffusion-Weighted Imaging-Guided Versus Perfusion-Guided Intravenous Thrombolysis with Alteplase Beyond 4.5-Hour Window: a Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Clin Neuroradiol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s00062-026-01693-x. PubMed PMID:42371037 .
2. Reisdorfer, E, Haimour, M, Silva, AR, Asirifi, M, Papadopoulos, M. The Lived Experiences of Highly Educated Internationally Educated Nurses Transitioning to Practice in Canada. SAGE Open Nurs. 2026;12 :23779608261465162. doi: 10.1177/23779608261465162. PubMed PMID:42370315 PubMed Central PMC13309652.
3. Stival, ACS, da Silva, ACG, Valadares, MC. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of Fetal Bovine Serum composition: toward ethical and best quality in vitro science. NAM J. 2025;1 :100047. doi: 10.1016/j.namjnl.2025.100047. PubMed PMID:42369414 PubMed Central PMC13289150.
4. Iack, NCDS, Assis, KLDSC, Cirqueira Machado, W, de Sá, DS, de Medeiros, TA, de Mello, CC et al.. Direct Electrochemical Detection of Geosmin Using Zn₂Ti₃O₈ Nanosheets Grown on Graphene Oxide. ACS Omega. 2026;11 (24):35700-35717. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.6c02052. PubMed PMID:42368071 PubMed Central PMC13294887.
5. da Silva, AZ, Vojciechowski, AS, Ferreira, M. Editorial: Exercise interventions: empowering individuals with neurological conditions. Front Rehabil Sci. 2026;7 :1879942. doi: 10.3389/fresc.2026.1879942. PubMed PMID:42367681 PubMed Central PMC13303594.

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