Fractional Brownian motion with Hurst index less then $1/2$ and continuous-time random walk with heavy tailed waiting times (and the corresponding fractional Fokker-Planck equation) are two different processes that lead to a subdiffusive behavior widespread in complex systems. We propose a simple test, based on the analysis of the so-called $p$ variations, which allows distinguishing between the two models on the basis of one realization of the unknown process. We apply the test to the data of Golding and Cox [ Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 098102 (2006)], describing the motion of individual fluorescently labeled mRNA molecules inside live E. coli cells. It is found that the data does not follow heavy tailed continuous-time random walk. The test shows that it is likely that fractional Brownian motion is the underlying process.

A computer algorithm for the visualization of sample paths of anomalous diffusion processes is developed. It is based on the stochastic representation of the fractional Fokker-Planck equation describing anomalous diffusion in a nonconstant potential. Monte Carlo methods employing the introduced algorithm will surely provide tools for studying many relevant statistical characteristics of the fractional Fokker-Planck dynamics.

A century after the celebrated Langevin paper [C.R. Seances Acad. Sci. 146, 530 (1908)] we study a Langevin-type approach to subdiffusion in the presence of time-dependent force fields. Using a subordination technique, we construct rigorously a stochastic Langevin process, whose probability density function is equal to the solution of the fractional Fokker-Planck equation with a time-dependent force. Our model provides physical insight into the nature of the corresponding process through the simulated trajectories. Moreover, the subordinated Langevin equation allows us to study subdiffusive dynamics both analytically and numerically via Monte Carlo methods.

In this paper we introduce a Langevin-type model of subdiffusion with tempered $\alpha${}-stable waiting times. We consider the case of space-dependent external force fields. The model displays subdiffusive behavior for small times and it converges to standard Gaussian diffusion for large time scales. We derive general properties of tempered anomalous diffusion from the theory of tempered $\alpha${}-stable processes, in particular we find the form of the fractional Fokker-Planck equation corresponding to the tempered subdiffusion. We also construct an algorithm of simulation of sample paths of the introduced process. We apply the algorithm to approximate solutions of the fractional Fokker-Planck equation and to study statistical properties of the tempered subdiffusion via Monte Carlo methods.