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
- Silva, AAE, Clemente, LM, Ribeiro, AB, Oliveira, VDC, Macedo, AP, Watanabe, E et al.. Clinical trial of essential oil-based dentifrices for denture cleaning and patient satisfaction. Am J Dent. 2026;39 (3):110-116. . PubMed PMID:42247359 .
- Nguyen, S, Bentahrour, I, Guerin, C, Dolladille, C, Da Silva, A, Cherifi, F et al.. Ischaemic stroke and 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine: A systematic review and meta-analysis of harms and a retrospective study of the WHO pharmacovigilance database. Br J Pharmacol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1111/bph.70508. PubMed PMID:42246759 .
- Bimbi, C, Nichele, A, Cezar, JPL, Machado, C, da Silva, AA. Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms in a healthy adolescent. Dermatol Online J. 2026;31 (6):. doi: 10.25251/cvgw0d47. PubMed PMID:42246360 .
- Galrinho, J, Fernandes, O, Silva, AR, Gonçalves-Montera, MA, Matias, AR. Handwriting speed and pen motor control in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Front Hum Neurosci. 2026;20 :1820193. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2026.1820193. PubMed PMID:42245916 PubMed Central PMC13230135.
- Silva, AS, Sousa, EM, Monção, RM, Vermelho, MVD, Mclaine Duarte de Freitas, J, Duarte de Freitas, J et al.. Phytochemical-Mediated Structural and Defect Engineering of TiO2 Nanoparticles for Light-Activated Photocatalysis. Langmuir. 2026; :. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6c00790. PubMed PMID:42244459 .