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
- Diaz, AO, Rocha, SGMO, Correia, LL, Costa Filho, VO, Romeiro, IPF, Silva, ACE et al.. Prevalence and factors associated with unplanned pregnancy among women of childbearing age in Ceará, Brazil: a cross-sectional study with population representativeness. Reprod Health. 2026; :. doi: 10.1186/s12978-026-02320-1. PubMed PMID:41952204 .
- Pinheiro, MLSP, Silva, AGD, Vasconcelos, NM, Malta, DC. Prevalence and factors associated with sexual violence against adolescent girls in Brazil: results of the 2019 National Survey of School Health. Rev Bras Epidemiol. 2026;29 :e260016. doi: 10.1590/1980-549720260016. PubMed PMID:41950107 .
- Silva, AGCVM, Mendonça, KS, Gomes, JEG, Valério, LCS, da Silva, MM, Silveira, MO et al.. Antibiotic susceptibility of lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal coalho cheese in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, Brazil. Braz J Microbiol. 2026;57 (1):. doi: 10.1007/s42770-026-01924-w. PubMed PMID:41949743 .
- Marchesano, M, Silva, A, Tassino, B. Actigraphy-Based Movement Profiles and Their Association With Circadian Rhythms Integrity in Real-World Settings. J Biol Rhythms. 2026; :7487304261428332. doi: 10.1177/07487304261428332. PubMed PMID:41944595 .
- Petry, S, Padilha, MI, Bellaguarda, MLDR, Caravaca-Morera, JA, Da Rocha Afonso, S, Silva, A et al.. From setbacks to progress: Brazilian faculty perspectives on teaching sexually transmitted infections to undergraduate nursing students - A qualitative study. AIDS Care. 2026; :1-9. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2026.2654804. PubMed PMID:41943175 .