Glutamate transporters maintain brain health by clearing the main excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, from synapses. Their dysfunction is linked to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer and Parkinson. In a recent publication in PNAS, Resource researchers characterized the most detailed view of operation of a bacterial glutamate transporters using advanced molecular dynamics simulations with NAMD. The study revealed a sophisticated "elevator-like" mechanism involving both translational and rotational shifts within the protein. Researchers also demonstrated how surrounding lipids influence transporter function. The results enhance our understanding of neurotransmitter regulation, aiding in the design of new therapies for neurological disorders.