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
- Notário, FO, Sommerfeld, S, Ribeiro, LNM, Silva, GMF, Silva, TDC, Nossol, ABDS et al.. Efficacy and safety of free and nanodrugs on the chicken embryo model via different routes. J Pharm Sci. 2026; :104578. doi: 10.1016/j.xphs.2026.104578. PubMed PMID:42971353 .
- Pires, BPC, Alves, JDS, Santos, LFD, Silva, AGFD, da Silva Ribeiro, T, Walsh, KB et al.. Prediction at harvest and detection at the ready-to-eat stage of internal black flesh severity in mangoes using portable Vis-NIR spectroscopy. J Sci Food Agric. 2026; :. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.71222. PubMed PMID:42968351 .
- Rodrigues, AP, Carvalho, M, Dos Santos Martins, P, de Souza, T, Perillo Rodrigues, K, Gomes, C et al.. HEMATOLOGICAL AND RENAL BIOMARKERS IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 IN A BRAZILIAN ICU: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY. Respir Med. 2026; :109244. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2026.109244. PubMed PMID:42966546 .
- Henning, JE, Branco, LCS, Battista, SE, Neder, T, Silva, AG, Maneta, R et al.. Pre-breeding anogenital distance as a predictor of pregnancy by artificial insemination after estrus synchronization protocols in Bos taurus, Bos taurus × Bos indicus, and Bos indicus yearling beef heifers. Theriogenology. 2026;269 :118287. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2026.118287. PubMed PMID:42966353 .
- Santos, TPD, Silva, AL, Ferreira, JA. No leads, no limits: deployment of leadless pacing in the post-EVOQUE era. Rev Port Cardiol. 2026; :. doi: 10.1016/j.repc.2026.06.008. PubMed PMID:42962820 .