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
- Jesus, F, Francisco, R, Bernardino, AV, Nunes, CL, Dickinson, SL, Rocha, P et al.. Changes in Water Turnover and Its Components Over One Athletic Season: An Observational Study Among Athletes From Different Sports. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2026; :1-15. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2025-0120. PubMed PMID:42019936 .
- Sant'ana, AB, Tomich, T, Rotta, PP, Carvalho, D, Silva, LHR, Vieira, JVF et al.. Dietary tannins and compounds from fermentation of saccharomyces cerevisiae effects on intake, productive performance, enteric methane emission, and rumen microbial diversity of lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2026; :. doi: 10.3168/jds.2025-27817. PubMed PMID:42019623 .
- Zoz, K, Cavalini, WM, Bragatto, JM, Pinto, RCC, Silva, AF, Verissimo, AF et al.. Performance of dairy heifers fed whole-plant corn silage treated with benzohydrazide. J Dairy Sci. 2026; :. doi: 10.3168/jds.2025-28221. PubMed PMID:42019616 .
- Trident Research Group, Anderson, CS, Chow, CK, de Silva, HA, Senanayake, B, Wahab, K et al.. Three Low-Dose Antihypertensive Agents in a Single Pill after Intracerebral Hemorrhage. N Engl J Med. 2026;394 (16):1571-1582. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2515043. PubMed PMID:42019018 .
- Silva, ASCD, Silva, BEA, Lucio, CDS, Pacheco, FS, Teixeira, BR, Gentile, R et al.. Structure of helminth communities of rodents in three areas of the Atlantic Forest, Paraná state, Brazil. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet. 2026;35 (1):e020325. doi: 10.1590/S1984-29612026003. PubMed PMID:42018863 .