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
- Davis, L, Orlina, E, Mackey, E, McCreary, M, Wisdom, JP, Jackson, T et al.. Fostering Motivation for Practice Change: Using Self-Determination Theory to Guide Mental Health Training. Community Ment Health J. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s10597-026-01597-7. PubMed PMID:41733866 .
- Da Silva, AS, Juarez-Dominguez, F, Oestreicher, V, Mizrahi, M, Hunt, D, Vieira, BJC et al.. Covalent Functionalization of NiFe Layered Double Hydroxides using Tris(Hydroxymethyl)Aminomethane. Small. 2026; :e12483. doi: 10.1002/smll.202512483. PubMed PMID:41732012 .
- da Silva, ATC, Uchimura, LYT, Yokota, KHA, Nonato, AC, Azuma, LLB, Matias, AB et al.. Evaluating the use of the consolidated framework for implementation research in primary care settings: a systematic review. Implement Sci Commun. 2026; :. doi: 10.1186/s43058-026-00866-6. PubMed PMID:41731572 .
- Virginio Júnior, GF, Tomaluski, CR, Dondé, SC, da Silva, AP, de Toledo, AF, Mendes, LW et al.. Fecal microbiota succession in dairy calves is driven by age and modestly influenced by colostrum source. Sci Rep. 2026; :. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-38526-3. PubMed PMID:41730955 .
- Jordan, W, Cheok, T, Law, K, Vermeir, JF, Silva, AM. Reduction in complication rate and hospital length of stay following robotic arm-assisted simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty when compared to conventional techniques: a cohort study with minimum one year follow-up. J Robot Surg. 2026;20 (1):. doi: 10.1007/s11701-026-03226-7. PubMed PMID:41729369 .