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
- Saadullah, M, Tahir, F, Farrukh, M, Afzal, S, Munir, R, Ashraf, U et al.. Drimiopsis maculata methanol extract attenuates inflammation in experimental rat model of polyarthritis: a biochemical and molecular insight. Inflammopharmacology. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s10787-025-02088-z. PubMed PMID:41483284 .
- Gomes, MB, Coelho, SG, Neves, LFM, Souza, EMB, Campolina, JP, Diavão, J et al.. Effect of thermal amplitude on physiological parameters, ruminal fermentation, digestibility, health, and performance of Holstein dairy calves. J Dairy Sci. 2025; :. doi: 10.3168/jds.2025-27256. PubMed PMID:41482030 .
- Jesus, FSS, Fonseca, IMG, Silva, ÂAO, Gonçalves, NLS, Sampaio, DD, Fraga, DBM et al.. Seroepidemiological survey and seropositivity rate for Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a community-based cardiac screening initiative in Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2026;20 (1):e0013892. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0013892. PubMed PMID:41481765 .
- Manoli, A, Kyprianidou, M, Lamnisos, D, Lubenko, J, Presti, G, Squatrito, V et al.. Beyond emotions: Social cognitive predictors of COVID-19 vaccination intentions before and after vaccine roll-out. PLOS Glob Public Health. 2026;6 (1):e0005668. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0005668. PubMed PMID:41481757 .
- Martoreli Júnior, JF, O Pedroso, A, Lima, LDES, P Gusmão, CM, G Menegueti, M, F C Coêlho, H et al.. Prevalence and associated factors with long COVID in the Brazilian population: The role of health-related behaviors and sociodemographic characteristics. PLoS One. 2026;21 (1):e0339612. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0339612. PubMed PMID:41481665 PubMed Central PMC12758746.