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
- Fontes, ND, Habib, FL, Leony, LM, Freitas, NEM, Silva, ÂAO, Dantas-Torres, F et al.. Evaluation of four chimeric Trypanosoma cruzi recombinant antigens for serological diagnosis of chronic Chagas disease in dogs: a phase II study. Parasit Vectors. 2025; :. doi: 10.1186/s13071-025-07173-4. PubMed PMID:41354964 .
- de Oliveira, UV, Waap, H, Gomes, J, da Silva, AN, Lacerda, LC, da Silva Oliveira Costa, T et al.. Seroprevalence of Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in horses (Equus caballus) intended for slaughter in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports. 2025;66 :101377. doi: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101377. PubMed PMID:41354534 .
- Cabrita, C, Fialho Reis, F, Silva, AM, Ferreira, HA, Alves, M. Healthy Life Years After 65: Building on Portugal's Progress with Stronger Geriatric Medicine. Acta Med Port. 2025;38 (12):840-841. doi: 10.20344/amp.23872. PubMed PMID:41353645 .
- Aragón, MG, de Lannoy, LH, Gaspar, PC, da Silva, APB, Coelho, RA, Barreira, D et al.. Syphilis in pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil and the relationship between coinfection and mother-to-child transmission of HIV. BMC Public Health. 2025; :. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25338-9. PubMed PMID:41353541 .
- Andrade, EMR, Silva, ACM, Ferreira, AV, Gontijo, RMG, Paixão, L, Fonseca, TCF et al.. A prototype of a 3D-printed zoomorphic mouse model for small animal PET scanner calibration. Appl Radiat Isot. 2025;229 :112362. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.112362. PubMed PMID:41352285 .