# Accessibility bug reports — nih.gov, week 2026-W36

17 issue type(s) from 3333 pages scanned. Generated 2026-09-04 by [vital-scans](https://github.com/mgifford/vital-core), following [accessibility bug-reporting best practices](https://mgifford.github.io/ACCESSIBILITY.md/examples/ACCESSIBILITY_BUG_REPORTING_BEST_PRACTICES.html).

> Automated checks find roughly a third of accessibility barriers. Fields marked "requires manual testing" cannot be observed by an automated scan and need a human with assistive technology.

---
## Element has required owned roles (WCAG 1.3.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-dce7ae17`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-3c632d31`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center  
**XPath / selector:** `<h3>`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships (Level A)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r64` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r64))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 2 instances; 2 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (8 weeks)

### Description
Element has required owned roles. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r64 on 2 of 3333 scanned pages (2 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center.
2. Locate the element: <h3>
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r64 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

### Impact
Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).
- **Without vision** (1.0% of population)
- **Limited vision** (2.4% of population)
- **Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability** (11.0% of population)

### Affected pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r64

### Example pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

---

## Links must be distinguishable without relying on color (WCAG 1.4.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-5be692ef`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-8ade3360`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `p:nth-child(18) > a[data-extlink=""][target="_blank"][rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer"]`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.1 — Use of Color (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `link-in-text-block` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/link-in-text-block?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Serious  
**Frequency:** 274 instances; 22 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (12 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29590047" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" title="(opens in a new window)">Translocation of a gut pathobiont 
```

### Description
Links must be distinguishable without relying on color. Detected by axe-core rule link-in-text-block on 22 of 3333 scanned pages (274 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: p:nth-child(18) > a[data-extlink=""][target="_blank"][rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer"]
3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule link-in-text-block against WCAG 1.4.1 Use of Color.

### Impact
Affects Without color perception (4.5%), Limited vision (2.4%).
- **Without color perception** (4.5% of population)
- **Limited vision** (2.4% of population)

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-20-neuroethics-enabling-enhancing-neuroscience-advances-society
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/blood-test-may-detect-myalgic-encephalomyelitis/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/providing-lasting-protection-peanut-allergy
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/leisure-activities-may-improve-longevity-older-adults
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-trial-rectal-microbicide-hiv-prevention-begins-united-states
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-experts-call-transformative-research-approach-end-tuberculosis
- https://nih.gov/brain/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/quick-test-could-help-reduce-dementia-care-disparities
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/prevention-screening-drive-drop-cancer-deaths
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/national-center-advancing-translational-sciences-ncats
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/severe-cte-clearly-linked-dementia
- https://nih.gov/heal/award-policy/heal-policy-enrollment-participants-clinical-trials
- https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/autism
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/link-in-text-block?application=axeAPI

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold

---

## Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color (WCAG 1.4.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-ae30121a`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-efd91fdd`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29590047" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank">`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.1 — Use of Color (Level A)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r62` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r62))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 17 instances; 9 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (10 weeks)

### Description
Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r62 on 9 of 3333 scanned pages (17 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29590047" class="ext" data-extlink="" target="_blank">
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r62 against WCAG 1.4.1 Use of Color.

### Impact
Affects Without color perception (4.5%), Limited vision (2.4%).
- **Without color perception** (4.5% of population)
- **Limited vision** (2.4% of population)

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/autism
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
**How to fix:** Make links visually distinguishable from surrounding text (not by color alone).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r62

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md

---

## Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes (WCAG 4.1.2)

**Bug ID:** `VS-67526ba0`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-1467ea8a`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-20-neuroethics-enabling-enhancing-neuroscience-advances-society  
**XPath / selector:** `.usa-accordion--bordered`  
**WCAG SC:** 4.1.2 — Name, Role, Value (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `aria-allowed-attr` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/aria-allowed-attr?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Critical  
**Frequency:** 2 instances; 2 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W36 (5 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<div aria-multiselectable="true" class="usa-accordion usa-accordion--bordered paragraph paragraph--type--uswds-accordion paragraph--view-mode--default">
```

### Description
Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes. Detected by axe-core rule aria-allowed-attr on 2 of 3333 scanned pages (2 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-20-neuroethics-enabling-enhancing-neuroscience-advances-society.
2. Locate the element: .usa-accordion--bordered
3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule aria-allowed-attr against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

### Impact
Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).
- **Without vision** (1.0% of population)
- **Limited vision** (2.4% of population)
- **Limited manipulation/strength** (13.0% of population)

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-20-neuroethics-enabling-enhancing-neuroscience-advances-society
- https://nih.gov/brain/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision

### Testing environment
Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
**How to fix:** Remove ARIA attributes that aren't allowed on this role/element.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/aria-allowed-attr?application=axeAPI

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-20-neuroethics-enabling-enhancing-neuroscience-advances-society
- https://nih.gov/brain/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision

---

## Text has enhanced contrast (WCAG 1.4.6)

**Bug ID:** `VS-17ea0cb0`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-646b1e0b`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `text: "Get the Latest Updates and FAQs"`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.6 — Contrast (Enhanced) (Level AAA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r66` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r66))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 444 instances; 9 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (10 weeks)

### Description
Text has enhanced contrast. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r66 on 9 of 3333 scanned pages (444 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: text: "Get the Latest Updates and FAQs"
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r66 against WCAG 1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced).

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/autism
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
**How to fix:** Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r66

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md

---

## Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (WCAG 1.4.8)

**Bug ID:** `VS-81885c8c`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-2208081b`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `<p class="usa-banner__header-text">`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.8 — Visual Presentation (Level AAA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r73` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 29 instances; 9 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (10 weeks)

### Description
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r73 on 9 of 3333 scanned pages (29 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: <p class="usa-banner__header-text">
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r73 against WCAG 1.4.8 Visual Presentation.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/autism
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md

---

## Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) (WCAG 2.5.5)

**Bug ID:** `VS-886350e4`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-cb53cc4d`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `<a class="usa-button" href="/web-modernization">`  
**WCAG SC:** 2.5.5 — Target Size (Enhanced) (Level AAA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r111` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r111))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 269 instances; 9 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (10 weeks)

### Description
Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r111 on 9 of 3333 scanned pages (269 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: <a class="usa-button" href="/web-modernization">
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r111 against WCAG 2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced).

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/autism
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r111

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md

---

## All page content should be contained by landmarks (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-4766637a`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-f18df681`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `.usa-alert`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `region` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/region?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 44 instances; 22 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (12 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<div class="usa-alert">
```

### Description
All page content should be contained by landmarks. Detected by axe-core rule region on 22 of 3333 scanned pages (44 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: .usa-alert
3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule region.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-20-neuroethics-enabling-enhancing-neuroscience-advances-society
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/blood-test-may-detect-myalgic-encephalomyelitis/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/providing-lasting-protection-peanut-allergy
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/leisure-activities-may-improve-longevity-older-adults
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-trial-rectal-microbicide-hiv-prevention-begins-united-states
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-experts-call-transformative-research-approach-end-tuberculosis
- https://nih.gov/brain/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/quick-test-could-help-reduce-dementia-care-disparities
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/prevention-screening-drive-drop-cancer-deaths
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/national-center-advancing-translational-sciences-ncats
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/severe-cte-clearly-linked-dementia
- https://nih.gov/heal/award-policy/heal-policy-enrollment-participants-clinical-trials
- https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/autism
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
**How to fix:** Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/region?application=axeAPI

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/who-we-are/nih-director
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold

---

## Heading levels should only increase by one (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-b8c9a41a`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-d25f622d`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `.callout__text > h3`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `heading-order` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/heading-order?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 17 instances; 17 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (10 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<h3>At a Glance</h3>
```

### Description
Heading levels should only increase by one. Detected by axe-core rule heading-order on 17 of 3333 scanned pages (17 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: .callout__text > h3
3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule heading-order.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-20-neuroethics-enabling-enhancing-neuroscience-advances-society
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/blood-test-may-detect-myalgic-encephalomyelitis/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/providing-lasting-protection-peanut-allergy
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/leisure-activities-may-improve-longevity-older-adults
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-trial-rectal-microbicide-hiv-prevention-begins-united-states
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-experts-call-transformative-research-approach-end-tuberculosis
- https://nih.gov/brain/about/vision/brain-2025-scientific-vision
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/quick-test-could-help-reduce-dementia-care-disparities
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/prevention-screening-drive-drop-cancer-deaths
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/severe-cte-clearly-linked-dementia
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
**How to fix:** Use heading levels in order (h1 → h2 → h3) without skipping; structure, not size.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/heading-order?application=axeAPI

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://www.nih.gov/research-training/medical-research-initiatives/brain-initiative/about/vision/brain-20-neuroethics-enabling-enhancing-neuroscience-advances-society

---

## Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-e94fd224`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-8806389c`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `#block-nih2-uswds-search`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `landmark-unique` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-unique?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 11 instances; 11 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W36 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<div class="search-block-form usa-form block block-search container-inline" data-drupal-selector="search-block-form" id="block-nih2-uswds-search" role="search">
```

### Description
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c. Detected by axe-core rule landmark-unique on 11 of 3333 scanned pages (11 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: #block-nih2-uswds-search
3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule landmark-unique.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/blood-test-may-detect-myalgic-encephalomyelitis/chronic-fatigue-syndrome
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/providing-lasting-protection-peanut-allergy
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/leisure-activities-may-improve-longevity-older-adults
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/quick-test-could-help-reduce-dementia-care-disparities
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/prevention-screening-drive-drop-cancer-deaths
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/severe-cte-clearly-linked-dementia

### Testing environment
Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
**How to fix:** When a landmark role/type repeats (e.g. two <nav>s), give each a distinct accessible name with aria-label or aria-labelledby (e.g. "Primary" and "Footer" navigation) so screen-reader users can tell them apart.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-unique?application=axeAPI

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/blood-test-may-detect-myalgic-encephalomyelitis/chronic-fatigue-syndrome

---

## Headings should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-57ce5de1`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-0066c67d`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-trial-rectal-microbicide-hiv-prevention-begins-united-states  
**XPath / selector:** `h3:nth-child(16)`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `empty-heading` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-heading?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Minor  
**Frequency:** 4 instances; 4 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (9 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<h3></h3>
```

### Description
Headings should not be empty. Detected by axe-core rule empty-heading on 4 of 3333 scanned pages (4 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-trial-rectal-microbicide-hiv-prevention-begins-united-states.
2. Locate the element: h3:nth-child(16)
3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule empty-heading.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-trial-rectal-microbicide-hiv-prevention-begins-united-states
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-experts-call-transformative-research-approach-end-tuberculosis
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
**How to fix:** Remove empty headings or give them text. Don't use heading tags for spacing.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-heading?application=axeAPI

### Example pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-trial-rectal-microbicide-hiv-prevention-begins-united-states
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-experts-call-transformative-research-approach-end-tuberculosis
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center

---

## aria attribute is permitted for element role (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-7593a729`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-e05344b9`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `@aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r18` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r18))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 18 instances; 9 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (10 weeks)

### Description
aria attribute is permitted for element role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r18 on 9 of 3333 scanned pages (18 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: @aria-label="Descripción de la agencia"
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r18.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/autism
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
**How to fix:** Only use ARIA states/properties that are allowed on this element/role.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r18

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md

---

## Form field label is visible (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-669fbddd`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-7118fead`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r61` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 9 instances; 9 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (10 weeks)

### Description
Form field label is visible. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r61 on 9 of 3333 scanned pages (9 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r61.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/autism
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md

---

## Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-58fe9dc5`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-c18be945`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r57` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 36 instances; 9 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (10 weeks)

### Description
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r57 on 9 of 3333 scanned pages (36 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: text: "NIH Websites Are Changing"
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r57.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/nih-style-guide/autism
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md

---

## Headings are structured hierarchically (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-8975ebc6`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-f054f4a4`  
**URL:** https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity  
**XPath / selector:** `<h3>`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r53` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r53))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 7 instances; 7 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W36 (9 weeks)

### Description
Headings are structured hierarchically. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r53 on 7 of 3333 scanned pages (7 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity.
2. Locate the element: <h3>
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r53.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/high-blood-pressure-awareness-treatment-declining
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diet-may-affect-risk-sudden-cardiac-death
- https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/legislative-chronology

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
**How to fix:** Use headings in a logical, non-skipping order.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r53

### Example pages
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-microbe-drives-autoimmunity
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/study-finds-link-between-red-hair-pain-threshold
- https://nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-copd

---

## Keyboard trap does not exist (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-a4c408e3`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-4c341c77`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md  
**XPath / selector:** `<p class="nih-subtitle">`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r85` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r85))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 3 instances; 2 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W36 (8 weeks)

### Description
Keyboard trap does not exist. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r85 on 2 of 3333 scanned pages (3 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md.
2. Locate the element: <p class="nih-subtitle">
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r85.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r85

### Example pages
- https://nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/george-walter-mccoy-md
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center

---

## Table header has scope (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-fa92f576`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-2cd767ca`  
**URL:** https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center  
**XPath / selector:** `<h3>`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r78` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r78))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 1 instances; 1 of 3333 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W29, last seen 2026-W36 (6 weeks)

### Description
Table header has scope. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r78 on 1 of 3333 scanned pages (1 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center.
2. Locate the element: <h3>
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r78.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/dr-jonathan-m-green-selected-ceo-nih-clinical-center

### Testing environment
Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Suggested fix
See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r78
