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
- Rein, B, Marconi, C, Shabashvilli, D, Chipman, P, Gragg, M, Sayour, E et al.. A Rapid Method for Accurately Determining Lipid Nanoparticle Size Using Nano-Flow Cytometry. J Biomol Tech. 2026;37 (2):48-53. doi: 10.7171/001c.163225. PubMed PMID:42396395 PubMed Central PMC13327552.
- Tavares, ALT, Pasa, VD, de Jesus Fernandes Martins Lima, JF, Pereira, JZ, Maia, MQ, Diniz, GP et al.. Protocol for the ECLIPSE-BRAZIL: a prospective cohort study on biomarkers and risk stratification for Preeclampsia. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2026; :. doi: 10.1186/s12884-026-09253-4. PubMed PMID:42393560 .
- Medeiros, C, Ribeiro, VV, Silva, A, Batista, D, Lopes, L. Accuracy of Cepstral Peak Prominence in the Identification of Voice Disorders: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. J Voice. 2026; :. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2026.06.017. PubMed PMID:42392902 .
- Barroca, LR, Gorito, AM, Silva, AMT, Ribeiro, ARL. Occurrence of organic micropollutants in drinking water: A review of scientific literature in the scope of the EU Directive 2020/2184. J Hazard Mater. 2026;514 :142838. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142838. PubMed PMID:42391957 .
- Silva, AC, Alves, D, Barbosa-Breda, J. Initial aqueous suppressant therapy after glaucoma drainage device implantation: a systematic review. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1007/s00417-026-07367-1. PubMed PMID:42390570 .